From the Guidelines
Obesity is the term used to describe a condition characterized by excess and/or dysfunctional adipose tissue that impairs health and well-being 1.
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria
The definition of obesity is based on an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat, which leads to impaired health and increased risk of long-term health complications and mortality 1.
- Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health 1.
- Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2), is widely used to diagnose and stage obesity, with categories including:
- Overweight: BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2
- Obesity class I: BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2
- Obesity class II: BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2
- Obesity class III: BMI ≥40 kg/m2 However, BMI should not be relied on as a sole diagnostic and staging tool, as it is an imperfect measure of adipose tissue mass and does not account for adipose tissue distribution or function 1.
Key Considerations
It is essential to recognize obesity as a chronic disease, rather than a risk factor for other conditions, to promote effective prevention and treatment, and to combat stigma and discrimination associated with weight 1.
- A person-centered communication style should be used to optimize health outcomes and health-related quality of life, using inclusive and nonjudgmental language and active listening to elicit individual preferences and beliefs 1.
- Person-first language, such as "person with obesity," should be used to avoid defining people by their condition 1.
From the Research
Definition of Obesity
The term "obesity" is used to describe a complex multifactorial disease characterized by excess body fat, which can have negative effects on health 2. In medicine, obesity refers to a set of interrelated dysfunctions of metabolism, adipose tissue, and dietary intake regulation 3.
Usage of the Term
The term "obesity" can be perceived as having negative connotations, and its use in medical settings may hinder communication between clinicians and patients 4. Patients may find terms such as "weight," "BMI," "weight problem," or "excess weight" more desirable when discussing their condition 5.
Key Points
- Obesity is a disease that meets the criteria for a disease in clinical medicine, but the term can be ambiguous when defined by BMI alone 3.
- The use of the term "obesity" can be associated with societal stigma and discrimination 4.
- A more personalized and holistic approach is needed to address the complexities of obesity, considering factors such as genetics, metabolism, body composition, and social determinants of health 6.
- The definition of obesity has evolved over the last century, from a simplistic view to a complex, multifactorial disease with profound health and societal implications 6.