Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission on diagnosis of clinical obesity- possible implications on clinical practice

Cornelia Bala; Gabriela Roman; Nicolae Hancu

Cornelia Bala Department of Diabetes and Nutrition, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Gabriela Roman Department of Diabetes and Nutrition, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Nicolae Hancu Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Keywords: obesity, obesity-related comorbidities, pre-obesity, clinical obesity, preclinical obesity

Abstract

On the 14th of January 2025, the long-awaited and anticipated report of the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission on clinical obesity was published. The report is constructed through a Delphi consensus process, and it is very complex, addressing numerous aspects regarding obesity- its causes, pathophysiology, phenotypes, relationship with other diseases, views and attitudes about obesity among patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. It should also be noted that the report was endorsed by 79 international, regional and national scientific societies, including the World Obesity Federation (WOF). The editorial discusses two important aspects with clear implications on clinical practice- definitions and criteria for the diagnosis of obesity and criteria for the diagnosis of clinical obesity. The proposals of the Commission on clinical obesity are challenging for the medical community, and we should wait until the future to validate all or a part of them in new guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of obesity.