"The most important aspect of the AMA decision is that the AMA is a respected representative of American medicine"

http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/239818/142/AMA-Obesity-Is-A-Disease

AMA: Obesity Is A Disease

"The American Medical Association's recognition that obesity is a disease carries a lot of clout," says Samuel Klein, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "The most important aspect of the AMA decision is that the AMA is a respected representative of American medicine. Their opinion can influence policy makers who are in a position to do more to support interventions and research to prevent and treat obesity."