| Theme |
Obesity and Digestive Organ |
| Title |
The Definition of Obesity and Obesity Syndrome |
| Author |
Akinobu Takaki |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Author |
Kazuhide Yamamoto |
Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Worldwide, obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30. In Japan, however, obesity is defined as a BMI of ≥25. In Japan, there are few cases of severe obesity; however, the incidence rates of obesity‒related diseases are as high as those in other countries. This is the reason for the strict definition of obesity in Japan. In addition, the Japanese Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO) classifies obese patients with obesity‒related diseases as patients with obesity syndrome. This disease entity is unique and is clinically useful for informing obese people, patients with obesity‒related disease, and all types of doctors of the importance of obesity control. |