Classifying Obesity as a Chronic Disease: Insights from Dr. W. Timothy Garvey
In a recent HCPLive interview, Dr. Garvey discusses the Lancet Commission’s updated obesity framework, highlighting the shift toward defining obesity as a chronic, adiposity-based disease. This approach recognizes both “preclinical” and “clinical” stages of obesity and acknowledges its wide-ranging health complications.
Key Highlights:
- Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease (ABCD): Dr. Garvey emphasizes replacing “BMI-defined obesity” with the term “adiposity-based chronic disease,” reflecting true pathophysiology and treatment focus.
- Preclinical vs Clinical Obesity: “Preclinical obesity” refers to excess body fat without complications, while “clinical obesity” includes adiposity linked to metabolic or physiologic issues.
- Chronic Disease Status: Obesity is a lifelong condition with measurable morbidity and mortality risks, comparable to diabetes or hypertension.
- Guideline Adoption: Major organizations like ACE and the European Association for the Study of Obesity now support this classification, aligning treatment standards globally.
Dr. Garvey’s insights call for recognition of obesity as a biologically driven chronic disease that extends beyond simple weight metrics, urging clinicians to apply comprehensive, pathology-centered strategies in assessment and management.
Watch the full interview on the HCPLive website.
Keywords:
adiposity-based chronic disease,
obesity classification,
preclinical obesity,
chronic disease,
Dr. Garvey