A group of scientists is advocating for a renaming of obesity in order to enhance understanding and prevention of the disease among policymakers and the general public.
In a recent study published in the journal Obesity Reviews, researchers, including those from University College Cork in Ireland, pointed out the confusion surrounding the term “obesity”, which currently encompasses both the disease itself and a designated BMI range.
The study emphasizes the need to reassess whether the term accurately reflects the complexity of the disease, which is influenced by environmental, genetic, physiological, behavioral, and developmental factors, rather than just body weight or BMI.
Researchers argue that a clearer terminology for the condition could help address inequities in treatment, as individuals with obesity may be overlooked for medications like Ozempic (Semaglutide) due to false assumptions that they do not require such drugs, similar to patients with diabetes.
“Our focus should be on understanding the underlying pathophysiology, not just body size. Treatment is essential for individuals with obesity, it is not optional or cosmetic,” stated study co-author Margaret Steele.
Dr. Steele proposed using a different diagnostic term, such as “adiposity-based chronic disease”, to more accurately convey the nature of the condition and eliminate the confusion and stigma associated with the term “obesity”, which has become synonymous with body size.
According to scientists, adequately addressing the disease requires a clear distinction between the disease itself and high BMI, as the definition of obesity based solely on BMI does not meet clinical criteria.
Some experts also expressed concerns about recent guidance advising against the use of Ozempic for obesity.
“Semaglutide is approved as a treatment for obesity, just like it is for diabetes. There is a deeply stigmatizing notion that individuals with obesity are seeking an easy way out, and that these medications offer a quick fix instead of a healthy diet and lifestyle,” explained Francis Finucane, another author of the study.
Dr. Finucane clarified that these drugs do not eliminate the need for behavioral changes or make them effortless for individuals living with obesity; they simply make it possible to achieve them.
It is important to differentiate individuals using drugs such as Semaglutide for fashionable thinness from those who genuinely have the disease of obesity.
“This is why we need to clarify what we mean by obesity. Many of the people we see on TikTok or Instagram documenting their Semaglutide journeys do not actually have the disease of obesity,” explained Dr. Steele.
“When discussing the treatment and prevention of obesity, our focus should be on promoting healthy food environments and providing appropriate treatment for individuals with chronic metabolic diseases,” she added.
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