The Evolving Definition of Obesity: It's Not Just About Weight
For years, obesity has been defined primarily by weight. However, Dr. Yong-Woo Park, an expert in obesity treatment, challenges this approach. He emphasizes that diseases commonly associated with obesity can also appear in individuals with normal weight, necessitating a reevaluation of what obesity truly means.
Rethinking Obesity: Beyond the Scale
To define obesity accurately, objective criteria are essential. One widely used measure is the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height squared (m²). In Korea, a BMI of 25 or higher is classified as obese.
However, BMI has limitations. For example, a person weighing 85 kg at a height of 170 cm has a BMI of 29, which falls under obesity. Yet, if that person is a muscular athlete, is it fair to classify them as obese? This highlights the issue: BMI doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle.
As people age, muscle mass naturally declines while fat increases, especially in women who have undergone repeated extreme dieting. This can lead to a condition known as “skinny fat,” where body weight seems normal, but body fat percentage is high. For accurate assessment, measuring body fat percentage, not just weight, is crucial.
Body Fat as the True Indicator
In general, men are considered obese if body fat exceeds 25%, while for women, the threshold is approximately 30–33%, depending on age. While BMI provides a standardized measurement, body fat analysis offers a more nuanced understanding of one’s health.
Research shows that the location of fat, not just its amount, significantly impacts metabolic health. Fat accumulation in the abdominal region, or visceral fat, is strongly linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which serves as an energy reserve and insulates the body, visceral fat can lead to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and increased risk of serious diseases.
Addressing Visceral Fat
To reduce visceral fat, it’s essential to address its root cause—often insulin resistance. Contributing factors include excessive consumption of alcohol, fructose, and refined carbohydrates, combined with lack of physical activity and muscle loss. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:
Reduce Carbohydrates: Lowering carb intake can prevent excess sugar from being converted into fat.
Increase Physical Activity: Exercise helps build muscle, which plays a key role in improving insulin sensitivity.
Adopt a Sustainable Diet: Programs like the Switch On Diet focus on personalized, efficient strategies for long-term fat loss and metabolic health.
From “Ideal Weight” to “Healthy Weight”
Rather than fixating on returning to a youthful ideal weight, the goal should be achieving a “healthy weight”—where blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other metabolic indicators are within normal ranges. Even if the scale doesn’t move much, reducing fat and increasing muscle can significantly improve overall health.
By addressing metabolic issues proactively, individuals can avoid progressing to conditions like diabetes or heart disease that require lifelong medication. Let’s commit to this shift today—toward building bodies that are healthy and resilient.
The Path Forward
Health isn’t just about weight—it’s about metabolic balance and preventing long-term complications. With a focus on body composition, visceral fat reduction, and tailored strategies, you can create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s strive for a future where our weight isn’t just a number on the scale but a reflection of true health.
