Scientists recommend a new nomenclature for ‘obesity’ to underscore its complexity, extending beyond just body weight or BMI. This, they believe, can inspire a more just approach to prevention and treatment, emphasizing the requirement for lucid terminology to dispel misunderstandings surrounding appetite-suppressing treatments.
The call is for more straightforward communication to aid not only the lay public but also policymakers in developing a profound understanding of the disease of obesity.
A recent study stresses the crucial need to modify the language we use when discussing obesity to augment public awareness of this health condition.
Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and University of Galway propose that ‘obesity’ should be redefined to stimulate a more nuanced understanding of its consequences among the general population and policymakers. They argue that this can pave the way for more efficacious methods of managing and preventing obesity.
Their study, published in Obesity Reviews, draws attention to the ongoing confusion about ‘obesity’, which can simultaneously denote the disease of obesity, a BMI range, or a blend of both.
Dr. Margaret Steele, a postdoctoral researcher at UCC’s School of Public Health, and Professor Francis Finucane, Consultant Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway, delve into the varying or conflicting interpretations of ‘obesity’.
The term ‘obesity’ needs a rebranding to enhance prevention and treatment efforts. Dr Margaret Steele, a postdoctoral researcher at UCC’s School of Public Health, champions this idea. Credit: UCC
The scientists propose that it’s time to question if ‘obesity’ truly encapsulates the intricacies of this multifaceted disease, which hinges on environmental, genetic, physiological, behavioral, and developmental factors, and not merely body weight or BMI.
As new appetite-suppressing drugs gain remarkable demand globally, patients with obesity might be overlooked based on the incorrect presumption that they require the medication less than diabetes patients. The scientists propose that a clearer terminology could help rectify this disparity.
Dr Margaret Steele commented: “Our emphasis should be on the underlying pathophysiology, not body size. For individuals with the disease of obesity, treatment isn’t an option or a luxury. A distinct diagnostic term such as ‘adiposity-based chronic disease’ could better express the nature of this condition, steering clear of potential confusion and stigma that may arise from the term ‘obesity’, which has become linked with body size.”
Professor Francis Finucane voiced concerns about the recent guidelines from the Irish Medical Council advising doctors against using Ozempic for obesity, describing it as ethically troublesome.
Professor Finucane remarked: “Semaglutide is as much approved for treating obesity as it is for diabetes. There’s a highly stigmatizing notion that individuals with obesity are seeking an easy way out, that these drugs offer a no-effort substitute for a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, for those living with the disease of obesity, these medications don’t eliminate the necessity for behavioral modification, nor do they make it effortless – they merely make it feasible.”
The scientists underscore that this differs significantly from celebrities resorting to drugs like semaglutide to achieve a “fashionable” thinness.
Dr. Steele noted: “This is why we need to clarify what we mean by obesity. Many of the individuals showcasing their semaglutide journeys on social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram aren’t diagnosed with the disease of obesity. When discussing the prevention and treatment of obesity, we should focus on promoting healthy food environments and appropriate treatment for those dealing with chronic metabolic diseases. We trust our new research will underscore that this is about promoting wellness, not making everyone skinny.”
Reference: “Philosophically, is obesity really a disease?” by Margaret Steele and Francis M. Finucane, 6 June 2023, Obesity Reviews.
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13590
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Redefining Obesity
Why do researchers propose redefining ‘obesity’?
Researchers propose redefining ‘obesity’ to highlight its complexity beyond just body weight or BMI, with the hope of promoting fairer treatment and prevention strategies. They argue that clear and precise terminology is needed to address misconceptions about obesity and its treatment options.
Who are the researchers involved in this proposal?
The researchers involved are Dr. Margaret Steele, a postdoctoral researcher at University College Cork (UCC)’s School of Public Health, and Professor Francis Finucane, Consultant Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway.
What alternative terminology do the researchers suggest for ‘obesity’?
The researchers suggest the term ‘adiposity-based chronic disease’ as a potential alternative. They believe this term could better convey the nature of this disease, and avoid the confusion and stigma that may occur with the term ‘obesity’, which has become synonymous with body size.
What is the main argument against the current use of the term ‘obesity’?
The researchers argue that the term ‘obesity’ does not fully convey the complexity of the disease, which involves environmental, genetic, physiological, behavioral, and developmental factors. The current usage may also perpetuate the mistaken assumption that people with obesity don’t need certain treatments as much as those with other diseases, like diabetes.
What are the researchers’ views on appetite-control medications?
The researchers note that appetite-control medications, such as semaglutide, don’t eliminate the need for behavioral change in patients with obesity. These medications make behavioral change possible, not easy. They stress that the use of these medications should be understood as a legitimate treatment strategy, not an ‘easy way out’.
More about Redefining Obesity
- Obesity: Causes, Complications, and Diagnosis
- Obesity Reviews Journal
- University College Cork (UCC) School of Public Health
- University of Galway
- Ozempic (Semaglutide)
5 comments
Semaglutide for obesity, now thats interesting. I had only heard about it being used for diabetes. definitely gonna look into that.
so like, does this mean that “obesity” could soon be like a thing of the past? its gonna be weird hearing it called something else… but if it helps, i’m all for it.
renaming obesity? really? how bout instead we just keep telling people to eat less and move more… dunno, just a thought.
i never really thought of obesity like that – as more than just weight or BMI. Seems like a good step to me. Good job Dr. Steele and Prof. Finucane!
Honestly this is long overdue. The stigma around obesity is huge, maybe a new term would help people understand it better… looking forward to seeing where this research goes.