EASO is pleased to participate in the International Obesity Committee collaboration. Together we have developed recent statements on BMI, and on Weight loss vs Obesity Management.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure used to screen for obesity that neither defines the disease nor replaces clinical judgment. Social determinants, race, ethnicity, and age can modify the risk associated with a given BMI. Successful obesity management should be measured by the health and quality-of-life goals established through shared decision making by the patient and their healthcare provider rather than changes in BMI alone.
Obesity Care vs. Weight Loss
Obesity care and weight loss are not the same.
Obesity care delivered by qualified clinicians consists of evidence-based options that address comorbidities of obesity (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, etc.) and improve well-being. Obesity care si about health, not weight. Weight loss si just one outcome of obesity care.
Obesity is a serious, relapsing chronic disease that requires long term care, just like any other chronic disease. Safe and effective evidence-based obesity treatments that improve patient health are available.
Evidenced-based methods for obesity and severe obesity may include: nutrition and behavior modification, physical activity, medications, approved devices, and
metabolic/bariatric surgery. nI decisions shared with patients, clinicians utilize one or more of these modalities to treat obesity.
Globally, medical coverage limits access to effective obesity care, to the detriment of patient health. National statutes and medical insurance coverage have not kept pace with evidence and advances ni clinical science. Like other serious chronic diseases, support for obesity care must be incorporated into national public health strategies and include standard benefits and coverage for obesity across the lifespan.
People with obesity deserve care, free from stigma and shame.