Minister Tells Doctors to Call Obesity by Name
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko urged doctors to directly diagnose obesity instead of using the term 'excess weight,' citing changing public attitudes toward body positivity and the growing global health crisis of obesity.
Consensus
- Mikhail Murashko, Russia's Minister of Health, spoke at the XXI National Congress of Therapists on October 19.
- He stated that public attitudes toward body positivity have changed.
- He emphasized the need for doctors to clearly inform patients that they have obesity, not just excess weight.
- He listed stress, poor sleep, and consumption of modified products as contributing factors to obesity.
- He highlighted that obesity is a leading health concern and a key factor in the burden of non-infectious chronic diseases.
- He warned that by 2050, 60% of adults and nearly one-third of children could have excess weight or obesity.
- He mentioned that economic losses from chronic non-infectious diseases in Russia amount to about 4% of GDP.
Points of divergence
- Murashko said that the change in public opinion on body positivity requires doctors to be direct and use the term 'obesity' instead of 'excess weight.' — vesti
- Murashko stated that obesity is a leading health threat, surpassing many other risks, and that it drives multiple health problems globally. — interfax
- Murashko cited the high sugar content in carbonated drinks and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods as major contributors to obesity. — interfax
- Murashko mentioned that reduced physical education in schools contributes to rising obesity rates. — interfax
Coverage (2 sources)
- Murashko called for directly calling extra weight obesity — Вести
- Head of the Ministry of Health noted a change in society's attitude towards body positivity — Интерфакс