Tag : BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

Obesity has traditionally been viewed as a risk factor for other conditions and the concept of obesity as a standalone disease remains a subject of debate. In a landmark 2025 publication, the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission redefined obesity through a clinical lens—shifting away from body mass index (BMI)-based assessments and introducing a diagnostic framework that recognizes clinical obesity as a chronic, systemic illness when specific clinical criteria are met. Growing evidence shows that excess adiposity, independent of other obesity-related diseases, can directly and adversely affect the organ function and overall health of an individual, leading to the typical clinical manifestations of illness. To address the gap in current clinical characterization, the Commission defines clinical obesity as a chronic, systemic disease characterized by functional impairments in tissues, organs, or the individual, directly caused by excess adiposity. The redefinition aims to provide a more medically meaningful framework to guide diagnosis, inform clinical decisions, and shape healthcare policies.