Absolutely.
Obesity was first recognized as a disease in 1948 by the WHO. Obesity, according to the Obesity Medicine Association is not a personal choice as many people often think. It is a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and other factors. The magnitude of the condition becomes apparent when we realize that this condition impacts 236 diseases of which 13 are cancers. (Obesity Medicine Association)
The Obesity Medicine Association regards obesity as a medical disease that occurs when a person’s body accumulates and stores excessive body fat amounts. Genetic factors that include thousands of different genes contribute to 40 to 70 percent of obesity.
Some genetic mutations are known to trigger obesity directly. But as is the case in most genetic-related ailments, the possession of such genes only predisposes the individual towards the emergence of that ailment; it is not a definitive outcome of these genes.
Obesity appears as a polygenic condition. It is affected by environmental factors (mainly unbalanced dietary patterns and physical inactivity). We will have to take into account genetic factors in the fat reduction process. These are associated with a negative energy balance. (Martinez et al., 2008)
During the course of the research of my book on natural solutions to obesity, I interacted with several experts on the subject. I learned that epigenetics is a critical cause of obesity.
Additional reading:
Natural Solutions for Obesity