Exploring the heterogeneity of obesity: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract Body Mass Index (BMI) has been traditionally used in the biomedical field as the main anthropometric measure to classify individuals in relation to their body weight status. High BMI levels are usually associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. However, measures of obesity, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), do not fully capture the complexity of obesity-related health risks. In fact, obesity is a very complex condition with wide heterogeneity across individuals. The belief that weight loss is the best recommendation for all people with high BMI as the only path to health should be revisited. In fact, weight loss in some subjects does not necessarily translate in health improvements. Novel evidence support alternative approaches to weight loss in the promotion of health for high BMI individuals. This presentation will provide an overview of the complexity and heterogeneity of obesity, with a critical discussion about the current approaches used to define weight status as well as on alternative interventions to improve health independent of body weight loss.