We’ve got some interesting news from the world of health and medicine that could impact how we talk about and understand obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology’s Commission is working on new criteria to better define and diagnose clinical obesity. The goal is to reduce the negative connotations and misunderstandings associated with the term “obesity” and to clearly communicate that it is a disease, not just a risk factor for other health issues.
Dr. Ricardo Cohen, a leading expert from Brazil, shared some insights on this effort. The new proposal will identify a preclinical stage of obesity, where changes in cells and tissues occur, but organ function remains unaffected. This stage can be measured by body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference. When these changes start to affect organ function, it marks the transition to clinical obesity, which is recognized as an active disease needing treatment.
There’s been some debate about whether changing the term for obesity would help reduce stigma. Some experts suggest using the term “adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD)” to shift the focus from weight to the underlying issues with adipose (fat) tissue. This term aims to highlight that even if someone doesn’t meet the BMI criteria for obesity, they can still have health risks related to excess fat.
However, not everyone agrees that changing the name will make a difference. Dr. Rafael Figueredo Grijalba from Paraguay argues that while stigma is real and harmful, simply renaming the disease might not be enough to change perceptions or improve outcomes. What’s crucial, he says, is how healthcare professionals approach and treat patients with compassion and respect.
Dr. Julio Montero from Argentina prefers the term “clinical obesity” because it clearly defines obesity as a medical condition with specific health implications. This term helps distinguish between those who have high weight without health issues and those who do, making it clearer for both medical professionals and the public.
Ultimately, what matters most is understanding that obesity is a complex disease requiring a multifaceted approach to treatment. Whether it’s called obesity, ABCD, or clinical obesity, reducing stigma involves more than just changing names. It requires a shift in how we view and address the condition, focusing on compassionate care and realistic expectations.
What do you think about these proposed changes? Could a new term make a difference in reducing stigma, or is it more about changing our approach to the disease? Share your thoughts with us!
