Lancet report proposes redefinition of ‘obesity’
A new report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal has suggested that calling people obese is medically “flawed.”
The report, which is backed by more than 50 medical practitioners, suggests that the term ‘clinical obesity’ should be used for patients with a medical condition caused by weight, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, ‘pre-clinically obese’ should refer to those who are overweight but still active, although at risk of disease. These differentiations would be used instead of body mass index (BMI).
Professor Francesco Rubino, researcher from King’s College London who chaired the expert group, commented, “Obesity is a spectrum. Some individuals with obesity can maintain normal organ function and overall health, even long term, whereas others display signs and symptoms of severe illness here and now.”
The Royal College of Physicians said the report laid a foundation “for treating obesity with the same medical rigour and compassion as other chronic illnesses.
