Start here: What is obesity?
Obesity is a chronic disease. It’s complex, progressive, and relapsing.
The US National Institutes of Health recognized obesity as a disease in 1998. The American Medical Association recognized it as a disease in 2013. Other organizations, including the World Health Organization, also recognize obesity is a chronic disease.
Our culture tends to blame people for their weight, assuming that it's a matter of personal choice and habits. But medical science now tells us that managing body weight is more complex than calories in, calories out.
It’s important for journalists, marketers, and content creators to understand what obesity is and to be aware of their own biases about body weight.
Obesity has many causes. Genetics contributes to 40% to 70% of obesity, according to the Obesity Medicine Association. Hormones, diet, some prescription drugs, environmental factors, and sleep deprivation can contribute to obesity. There are also physical and mental health conditions that care associated with obesity, like PCOS, sleep apnea, and depression.
Quick: What is it? And who says so?
Good reasons to go deeper
What causes obesity?
Suggested guidelines
Photos and video
Avoid associating an emotion with body size or shape, such as “happy weight.” Try “goal weight” or “healthier weight” instead. Even though obesity and depression are cyclically related, avoid insinuating that someone could not be happy if they have excess weight or obesity.
Be aware of attaching emotion, values, or limitations
Terms and definitions
Body mass index (BMI)
Adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD)
Severe obesity
Plus size, queen, queen size
Overweight
Obese
Morbid obesity
Comorbidities, comorbid conditions
Body mass index is a calculation used to gauge and track population health, and to screen individuals for disease risk. It shouldn't be used alone to gauge individual health, and in 2023 the American Medical Association issued a statement urging doctors not to do so. It has a lot of flaws and causes harm. Body Roundness Index (BRI) is emerging as a better tool.
This is a new term for obesity, introduced in 2017 by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (more here).
The US Centers for Disease Control defines being overweight as having a BMI between 25 and 30 for adults. Among children, the classification is different based on age group.
Some people use overweight as a noun, such as “people with overweight.” This is an awkward composition. The Associated Press suggests using “people who are overweight.” Another option is to write “people with excess weight.”
If a clothing manufacturer uses these terms to define a product line, use them. Otherwise these are euphemisms. Ask the subject of the story how they would like to be described before using these terms to describe them.
Severe obesity is currently defined as a BMI of 40 or higher among adults. Among children, severe obesity is currently defined as a BMI at or above 120% of the 95th percentile. Severe obesity is also called “class III obesity” in medical and health care settings. Please keep in mind that BMI has flaws when it comes to gauging individual health or defining obesity (see “Start here: What is obesity?” above).
Avoid this term to describe people. Use people-first language, such as “people with obesity instead of “obese people.” According to the Associated Press, an acceptable use would be “medically classified as obese” in medical and health care contexts.
Avoid using this term. Instead use “severe obesity,” which is currently defined as a BMI over 40, or use “Class III obesity.” Please keep in mind that BMI has flaws when it comes to gauging individual health or defining obesity (see “Start here: What is obesity?” above).
These terms are dated. Instead use wording like “other conditions” or “co-existing conditions.”
Pre-obesity
This is another term for overweight or excess weight. Specifically, among adults, pre-obesity is currently defined as having a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 29.9. Pre-obesity isn't commonly used in media. Because BMI has flaws, use this term with care. (More)
Resources
An advocacy organization that has helpful media guidelines.
An organization of health care providers who specialize in the medical treatment of obesity.
The largest organization in North America of surgeons who perform procedures to treat obesity and metabolic health.
An advocacy organization that has helpful media guidelines.
An organization of health care providers who specialize in the medical treatment of obesity.
The largest organization in North America of surgeons who perform procedures to treat obesity and metabolic health.