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A group of researchers suggests a new way to define obesity, which could help many people globally. The current definition by the World Health Organization looks at excess body fat that can harm health. They usually use BMI to decide if someone is obese.
However, BMI doesn’t show if the excess weight is from fat, muscle, or bones. High body fat levels can lead to health issues like inflammation and diseases. The researchers want to introduce a new category called “preclinical” obesity, distinguishing between those with symptoms and those at risk.
By measuring body fat directly with waist width or X-rays and doing blood tests to check organ health, healthcare workers can offer tailored advice. This might involve lifestyle changes for those at risk and medication or surgery for those with symptoms. The goal is to provide better care for people with obesity and reduce the social stigma around it.
The proposed changes have support from various health organizations worldwide, aiming to improve how obesity is managed in healthcare.
Vocabulary List:
- Obesity /oʊˈbiː.sɪ.ti/ (noun): A condition characterized by excessive body fat that can negatively impact health.
- Inflammation /ɪnˌflæməˈteɪʃən/ (noun): A localized physical condition characterized by redness swelling heat and pain often as a response to injury or infection.
- Preclinical /priːˈklɪnɪkəl/ (adjective): Relating to the stage before clinical symptoms appear in a disease.
- Tailored /ˈteɪ.lərd/ (adjective): Customized or made to fit the specific needs of a person or group.
- Surgery /ˈsɜːrdʒərɪ/ (noun): A medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body.
- Stigma /ˈstɪɡ.mə/ (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance quality or person.
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