United States: A new report from global experts says calling someone “obese” is medically flawed and should be split into two categories. “Clinical obesity” would refer to those with weight-related health conditions, while “pre-clinically obese” would apply to those who are overweight but still healthy—yet at risk for disease. This approach offers a more accurate, patient-centered way to define obesity beyond just BMI.
Currently, over one billion individuals are believed to be obese globally and prescription slimming products are very popular.
The report was released in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology and is backed by 56 international doctors and medical professionals.
As reported by the BBC, “Some people with obesity can have normal organ function and general health, in the short term and even in the long term, while others present signs of serious diseases here and now,” said Prof Francesco Rubino of King’s College London who led the expert group.
“Obesity is a spectrum,” he added.
The current, sweeping sort of definition suggests that many more individuals are grossly overweight but not getting the best possible treatment, the report adds.
A young woman, Natalie, from Crewe was exercising three times a week and had a pretty good diet, and still she is overweight.
Asked on the BBC 5 Live phone-in with Nicky Campbell if she thought she was plus-size, she replied: “I would consider myself bigger, but I can still fit the clothes. “If you calculate my BMI I am obese but if you keep a conversation with me the doctor will tell you that I am a fit man and there is nothing wrong with me.
She said: “I am doing my best to ensure that I remain fit and have a healthy life as long as I can.”The 34-year old man taking his coffee from Falmouth noted that a lot of misunderstanding surround BMI.
When they did my test, they said I am bordering on obese but my body fat was only 4.9%; the risk is that I built so much muscles, he explains. To Mike’s way of thinking, you cannot be fat and fit; he believes it is strictly genetic and one must eat right.
‘All these skinny jabs make me laugh, if you want to lose weight stop eating – it’s easy.’