Is obesity illness or simply overweight incorrectly classified as a disease? For years, scientists and doctors around the world have been working to find an answer. However, the International Specialist Commission has recently proposed a new definition of obesity aimed at reducing stigma and providing a clearer framework for diagnosis and treatment.
The new definition challenges outdated notions that obesity is the result of poor selection, lack of discipline or laziness. Rather, it confirms what science has consistently proved: “Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive adiposity, with or without abnormal distribution or function of adipose tissue, and whose causes are multifactorial and are still not fully understood. »It consists of 58 international specialists – including people with living experiences – an innovative commission whose results were published in The Lancet Diabetes & EndocrinologyIt calls for a change in paradigm in the diagnosis of obesity.
His report emphasizes that while the body weight index (BMI) has been widely used as a screening tool, it is insufficient as a separate diagnostic criterion. Instead, the committee recommends confirming excessive adiposity by direct metering of fat or other anthropometric criteria (eg waist circumference, waist ratio and hips or waist ratio to the figure). This approach takes into account the complexity of obesity and the need for objective measures to accurately assess its health effects.
The Commission also proposes to classify obesity into two categories: preclinical obesity and clinical obesity, thereby acknowledging its heterogeneity and limits of current BMI measurements. Preclinical obesity depends on the identification of risks before the complications and clinical obesity on the discovery with complications. This approach is seen by obesity as a disease caused by factors such as genetics, biology, the environment and systemic inequalities, not only as a result of individual behavior.
Clinical obesity is characterized by BMI and signs of complications related to obesity. These complications may be heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or chronic and severe joint pain, such as knees or hips. People who meet these criteria may benefit from treatment options that may include dietary and exercise programs and obesity medicines.
Therefore, we propose to understand obesity differently than the change in life habits – a new paradigm that is urgently necessary to accept. Instead of considering weight as a single indicator factor, we recommend scientific research of genetic, environmental and physiological roots of obesity.
This redefinition is not only semantic; It’s a challenge to action. By focusing on biological, genetic and environmental factors of obesity, we move conversation from accusation towards solutions that prefer equality of health. No one would blame a person of having diabetes or asthma, so why stigmatize people with obesity?
Obesity is a critical problem of public health that affects millions of people around the world. Canadian data emphasizes the alarming prevalence of obesity (26.8 %) and diabetes (8.1 %). Yet the stigma around obesity prevents many people from seeking treatment. Studies show that weight distortion between health care providers leads to delayed diagnosis, worse treatment results and higher mortality.
The weight distortion occurs when healthcare professionals hold negative beliefs or stereotypes about the patient’s weight. These prejudices may lead to insufficient care to patients, which may have serious consequences. The new framework offers the opportunity to change this situation by legitimizing obesity as a medical problem that deserves compassionate care based on evidence.
Advances such as obesity medicines (Ozmpic, Wegovy, etc.) are promising, but they represent only part of the solution. Real progress requires systemic changes, including the extended insurance coverage of obesity treatment, awareness of obesity in medical training and social factors such as food deserts and a sedentary way of life.
The most important thing is that a patient voice must be in the foreground. Their stories show that obesity is not only a number on a scale, but also experienced experience, shaped by biology, trauma and system barriers. The new definition is preparing the way to remove stigma and dignified treatment of obesity.
It is time to stop accusing individuals of their obesity and build a future where every person, regardless of their size, will have access to care, respect and the opportunities he needs to prosper.
Leave a Reply