Samenvatting

One might expect that a perception of obesity being a risk factor and disease, contributes to
effective obesity prevention and management strategies. However, obesity rates continue to
increase worldwide. The question arises whether obesity is truly perceived as a risk factor and
a disease. This paper aims at describing perception of obesity as risk factor and disease among
individuals seeking care, individuals not seeking care, the society, and different professionals
having a role in the field of obesity. The paper is a reflection of the lecture on the topic that
was given at the EASO’s New Investigators United’s Summer School 2016 in Portugal and the
discussion with the new investigators and other senior speakers. Individual obese patients
seeking help are very much aware of obesity being a risk factor and disease, but perceptions
regarding obesity seem to be flawed among those who do not seek help for obesity. Also,
misperceptions regarding obesity play a role at different levels, including society, different
political levels, the fields of health care and social work, prevention organizations, and the
food and marketing industry. The food and marketing industry has an enormous role in
changing perceptions by the society and policy makers. Obesity rates will continue to increase
as long as individuals, the society, and professionals at different levels have false interpretations
of the severity of obesity. Severe action is needed against those who are playing a role
in maintaining false perceptions of obesity as a risk factor and disease.