HEALTH
Is Obesity Always a Disease? Experts Draw the Line
GlobalThu Jan 16 2025
A group of health experts has decided to split obesity into two categories: clinical and pre-clinical. This move aims to address the ongoing debate about whether obesity is always a disease. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease, but not everyone with obesity has these problems. Some people with obesity live active, healthy lives. The new categories help to distinguish between those who need medical attention and those who don't. The experts also suggested using more accurate measurements for diagnosis, beyond just BMI. They want to reduce the stigma and discrimination often faced by people with obesity. However, not everyone is happy with the new categories. Some patient groups feel it downplays the severity of obesity, while others think it doesn't go far enough. The experts believe this is a complex issue that needs further research.
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questions
Does 'pre-clinical obesity' mean I'm just a little pudgy or am I a ticking time bomb?
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of moving beyond BMI for diagnosing obesity?
If obesity isn't always a disease, does that mean I can eat more cake without feeling guilty?
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