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8. Obesity Is a One-Health Problem
A consensus statement by the One Health Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association in association with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes the following :
1- Obesity is a disease and should be referred to as such.
2- Obesity is a disease of increasing prevalence in human and companion animal populations.
3- Obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities in people and pets.
4- Human and veterinary healthcare providers find it difficult to discuss obesity with clients.
5- The prevention of obesity should be a major priority for the human and veterinary health care professions.
6- The veterinarian has a role in improving the health of pets, as well as the pet owners, as caregivers.
Studies have documented an association between lower household incomes and a reduced education of the head of household, with human overweight and obesity. A number of studies have identified a positive relationship between obesity in dogs and their owners. The owners of obese dogs may transfer their personal eating habits and diminished interest in their own health, onto their dogs, and the owners of overweight or obese dogs and cats underestimate the body condition of their animals. These findings make addressing obesity by the veterinarian more challenging, yet morally compelling. Motivating humans to improve the body condition of their animal companions could be the gateway to recognition and to taking action in confronting their own overweight or obese state. There is some precedent to support this idea, as it has been documented that overweight owners and their overweight companion animals can lose weight together, and that companion dogs can serve as social support during the weight loss period. Conversely, inadequacies in the physical or mental health of the human caregiver may have detrimental ramifications for companion animals in terms of reduced compliance with diets and medications prescribed to the animal dependent.
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