Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Gastroenterologist · Bariatric / Weight Reduction Surgery
Obesity is a more visible condition than mental health issues, which can often be hidden.
Mental health issues are also often seen as the sufferers' responsibility to deal with, whereas obesity is seen as something that the individual cannot help.
Obesity is a known risk factor for a range of diseases, including heart disease, stroke and cancer, which means that it poses a serious threat to public health. Mental health issues do not carry the same level of risk.