A more “accurate” and “nuanced” definition of obesity is necessary worldwide if global health authorities and governments are to get a grip on the obesity epidemic, a team of experts writing in the Lancet has urged.
The overall health of an overweight person, and not only their BMI, should be considered when determining whether or not they are obese.
Overweight people with chronic illness should be diagnosed as ‘clinically obese’, whereas those carrying excess fat with no health issues should be diagnosed with ‘pre-clinical obesity’, said the paper, which is supported by over 50 medical experts globally.
Obesity differentiation needed
It is important to differentiate between obesity with and without “disease”, stating those deemed obese or clinically obese now can still be “healthy”, but are “at risk of disease in the future”.
“The specific aim of the commission was to establish objective criteria for disease diagnosis, aiding clinical decision making and prioritisation of therapeutic interventions and public health strategies,” said the paper.
“To this end, a group of 58 experts – representing multiple medical specialties and countries – discussed available evidence and participated in a consensus development process."
Estimates suggest there are over one billion obese people worldwide.
The food industry has both been criticised and praised for its role in causing and fighting obesity. Efforts to reduce fat, sugar, salt and unhealthy ingredients have been significant.
The role of food and drink in obesity
Diet food and drinks have also played a role in tackling the global obesity epidemic, though their role has been called into question since the rise of GLP-1 diet drugs like Ozempic.
However, while the industry has made efforts and been praised for work to tackle obesity and poor dietary health, it has also come under serious criticism for its role in the issue.
This includes making and marketing ultra-processed foods, as well as products knowingly – and often arguably unnecessarily – high in fats and sugars.
A lawsuit in the States has recently been filed against UPF producers in the country.