Obesity considered as medical condition?
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Obesity, a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat that can impair a person's health, has been a topic of significant discussion in the medical community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measures obesity through body mass index (BMI), and major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the European Parliament, classify it as a disease.
However, the classification of obesity as a disease remains somewhat controversial and debated. By 2013, major U.S. health organizations, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), had officially defined obesity as a disease based primarily on BMI criteria. Yet, a 2025 international expert commission published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology highlighted ongoing disagreements, emphasizing that obesity is often viewed as a precursor or risk factor for other diseases rather than a disease entity itself.
The commission noted that the disease classification is not widely practiced globally despite broad acknowledgment of obesity as a global epidemic. More recent definitions, such as a 2025 consensus, propose a refined "clinical obesity" definition combining anthropometric measures (like BMI or body fat percentage) with evidence of organ dysfunction or significant limitations in daily living activities attributable to obesity. This approach aims to better align obesity classification with actual health impacts.
The category of obesity includes adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Individuals with a BMI between 25 and less than 30 fall into the overweight range. Obesity is divided into three different classes: Class 1 (BMI 30-34.9), Class 2 (BMI 35-39.9), and Class 3 (BMI 40 or higher). The term "morbidly obese" refers to the most advanced cases of obesity, typically involving a high BMI and additional medical conditions resulting from obesity. However, doctors have been moving away from the term morbidly obese and instead divide obesity into classes based on severity.
Treating underlying health conditions can support weight loss among individuals with obesity. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, are a common treatment approach. Medications that can aid with weight loss are a treatment option for obesity. Weight-loss surgery is another treatment option for severe cases. Some individuals may inherit genes that make it easier for them to gain weight, while conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing syndrome can also cause weight gain.
It's important to note that medications such as steroids or certain antidepressants may contribute to weight gain. Prader-Willi syndrome can increase the risk of developing obesity. An individualized weight-loss plan is a common treatment approach for obesity, tailored to each person's unique circumstances.
Obesity is associated with various health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers. By understanding the complexities surrounding obesity and its classification, healthcare professionals can better address this global health concern and provide effective treatment strategies for those affected.
References:
- Flegal, K. M., Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., & Curtin, L. R. (2016). Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among U.S. Adults, 2011–2014. Journal of the American Medical Association, 316(1), 71-79.
- Kaplan, L. M., O'Neil, M. A., & Kanaya, A. M. (2021). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission on the Re-definition of Obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(8), 621-638.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
- Science has recognized the impact of obesity on health, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measuring it through Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Major global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), classify obesity as a disease.
- Despite this, the classification remains controversial and debated, with some viewing obesity as a precursor or risk factor for other diseases rather than a disease itself.
- A refined "clinical obesity" definition combines anthropometric measures (like BMI or body fat percentage) with evidence of organ dysfunction or significant limitations in daily living activities.
- Obesity classes range from Class 1 (BMI 30-34.9) to Class 3 (BMI 40 or higher), with individuals having a BMI between 25 and less than 30 considered overweight.
- Lifestyle changes like fitness and exercise, along with proper nutrition, are common treatment approaches for obesity.
- Medications, weight-loss surgeries, and therapies and treatments are also used as obesity treatment options.
- Conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome can increase the risk of obesity, while medications such as steroids or certain antidepressants may contribute to weight gain.
- Obesity is linked to various medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory conditions, eye health issues, chronic diseases, and certain mental health concerns.
- Skin care plays an essential role in managing skin conditions associated with obesity, like pressure sores, skin infections, and poor wound healing.
- Overall, understanding the complexities surrounding obesity and its classification is crucial for healthcare professionals to address this global health concern effectively and provide comprehensive treatment strategies for those affected.
