The EASO Obesity Taxonomy

Hi, I'm Dr. Jennifer Baker. I'm the head of LifeCourse Epidemiology Research at the Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital, Vistabiag in Frederiksberg in Denmark. I'm also the president-elect for the European Association for the Study of Obesity. In this 5-minute CPD, I will share a concise summary of the IESO obesity taxonomy in terms of its purpose and its structure. So let's get started. The words we use shape the way we understand, treat, and talk about obesity. Words matter. Using a clear, accurate, and consistent language isn't just helpful, it's essential. It ensures a better diagnosis, more effective treatment, stronger research, smarter policies, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients. The IESO Obesity Taxonomy introduces a standardized, evidence-based language that aligns with that used for other policy-prioritized, non-communicable diseases. It will improve our understanding, communication, and management of obesity across all stakeholder groups. The purpose of the ESO Obesity Taxonomy is to provide a common language for discussing and managing obesity, and aligns this with how other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease are addressed. It aims to reduce stigma, improve clinical outcomes, and guide policies in care. This taxonomy was developed through a Delphi consensus process involving a diverse range of experts as well as individuals with LIDG experience. All of the 54 statements across the six themes reached file consensus. The taxonomy is organized into six core themes, each with definitions, scope, and context. The first core theme is about the definition of obesity. The taxonomy recognizes that obesity isn't just about weight. Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease linked to how our body stores and uses fat. In addition, instead of just relying upon population-based measures like body mass index or BMI, we also need to look at individual-level signs, like how someone's health or daily function is affected by obesity. The second core theme in the taxonomy is about obesity causes, onset, and progression. The taxonomy outlies that obesity does not happen overnight or for just one reason. It is caused by a mix of biological factors. These include things like genetics and hormones, as well as environmental factors, including things like nutrition, stress, and activity levels. Obesity often starts when fat tissue begins to function poorly, and over time, certain factors can make obesity worse if they're not addressed. The third core theme in the taxonomy is about differentiating between health promotion and obesity prevention. When we talk about preventing obesity, it's important to know there are two different approaches. Health promotion is about encouraging healthy habits for everyone, like staying active and eating well. But obesity prevention focuses more specifically on preventing obesity before it starts. It does this by targeting people who are at higher risk. Both approaches are important, but they do serve different roles. The fourth core theme in the taxonomy is about obesity screening and early diagnosis. The taxonomy explains that screening and early diagnosis of obesity means catching the signs early before things get worse. And it's not just about checking someone's BMI. We look at things like where fat is stored in the body, family history, and other risk factors to get a clearer picture of what's really going on. The fifth core theme in the taxonomy is about obesity treatment and management. Treating obesity isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes a team and a long-term plan. This might include things like behavioral changes, medications, or surgery, depending upon the person's needs and preferences. What's most important is that care is personalized and decisions are made together with the patient, not just for them. The final core theme in taxonomy is about having a common language for obesity consequences. Obesity can lead to more than just health issues. It can affect many parts of a person's life. Obesity is linked to serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer But it can also impact things like access to work, income, and healthcare So understanding the full range of consequences helps us take obesity more seriously and to support people living with obesity more effectively So in summary, the ESL Obesity Taxonomy is a foundational tool to help healthcare systems treat obesity with the same depth, clarity, and seriousness as that of other chronic diseases. The key aspects of the taxonomy are about moving beyond weight-centric views to focus on function, adipose tissue characteristics, and, importantly, the patient experience. It's about providing clarity between a clinical diagnosis and population-level data. And it's about equipping healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients with consistent, non-stigmatizing language. I'm Jennifer Baker for this 5-Minute EASO CPD. Thanks for watching. So be sure to check out our additional resources on this page and more learning at easo.org.