Obesity Diagnosis: Clinical Indicators and Etiological Differentiation in Endocrine and Genetic Obesity

Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide. Accurate obesity diagnosis is crucial for implementing effective and personalized treatment strategies. In this context, clinical indicators play a fundamental role in identifying and classifying obesity, allowing for etiological differentiation that can guide more specific interventions.

Clinical Indicators in Obesity Diagnosis

The Body Mass Index (BMI) has traditionally been the most utilized indicator for obesity diagnosis. However, its limitation lies in its inability to distinguish between fat mass and lean mass, which can lead to inaccurate classifications in certain individuals. Recent studies suggest that other indicators, such as abdominal circumference and visceral adiposity index, may provide a more accurate assessment of the risks associated with obesity, particularly concerning cardiovascular and metabolic diseases [1].

Furthermore, endocrine obesity and genetic obesity are subtypes that require more detailed evaluation. Endocrine obesity may be related to hormonal dysfunctions, while genetic obesity involves alterations in specific genes that affect metabolism and fat accumulation [2]. Identifying these subtypes is essential for developing personalized treatment plans.

Etiological Differentiation and Its Importance

Etiological differentiation of obesity allows for a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and, consequently, better therapeutic guidance. For instance, sarcopenic obesity, characterized by the coexistence of obesity and loss of muscle mass, requires a treatment approach that focuses not only on weight reduction but also on improving muscle mass [3].

Moreover, evaluating body fat distribution, beyond BMI, is crucial. Indicators such as body shape index and roundness index have proven useful in predicting risks associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes [4]. These indicators provide a more comprehensive view of the patient's health status and allow for more targeted interventions.

Conclusions

Obesity diagnosis should extend beyond the exclusive use of BMI, incorporating a variety of clinical indicators that enable a more precise evaluation and effective etiological differentiation. Understanding the different subtypes of obesity and their underlying causes is essential for developing personalized and effective treatment strategies. Ongoing research in this field is crucial for improving health outcomes in patients with obesity.

Referencias

[1] An Overview and Update on Obesity and the Obesity Paradox in Cardiovascular Diseases
[2] Obesity and Heart Failure: Focus on the Obesity Paradox
[3] Sarcopenic Obesity: Anthropometric Diagnosis
[4] A new body shape index predicts mortality hazard independently of body mass index

Created 2/1/2025