The term "clinical obesity" should be used to describe patients with a medical condition caused by their weight, while "pre-clinically obese" should be applied to those who are overweight but fit, putting them at risk of disease.
This approach is seen as an improvement over solely relying on body mass index (BMI) to identify obesity, as highlighted in a report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal and supported by over 50 medical experts worldwide.
"Obesity is a spectrum," remarked Prof Francesco Rubino from King's College London, chair of the expert group behind the report. The current definition of obesity is criticized for potentially labeling too many individuals as obese without providing optimal care.
While BMI gives a broad indication of weight related to height, it falls short in distinguishing between muscle and fat, possibly leading to misinterpretations. To obtain a more accurate evaluation, the report emphasizes assessing waist measurements, body fat composition, and an individual's medical history.
Prof Rubino stressed, "Obesity is a health risk - the difference is it's also an illness for some." The report suggests categorizing obesity into "clinically obese" for cases where the condition is already impacting organ function and "pre-clinically obese" for those at risk of health issues but not currently experiencing related illnesses.
This nuanced approach aims to offer tailored treatments, such as weight-loss guidance, counselling, and monitoring, to prevent future health complications. Redefining obesity becomes crucial, especially at a time when weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are increasingly prescribed.
The report advocates for treating obesity with the same medical attention as other chronic diseases, enhancing care for both adults and children dealing with obesity while minimizing overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.