ARTICLES & RESOURCES
The Lancet Commission's new definition and diagnostic criteria for 'clinical obesity'
The Lancet Commission has developed a definition of clinical obesity, intended to provide a framework for clinical practice and policy, which was published in January 2025. This definition emphasises the functional impact of excess adiposity on organs and tissues, differentiating between “preclinical” obesity (characterised by excess adiposity but preserved organ and physical function) and “clinical” obesity (marked by organ and physical dysfunction resulting from excess adiposity).
This aligns with our existing, broader definition of overweight and obesity as excess weight (specifically adipose tissue) that is linked to impaired health and wellbeing. We also recognise clinical obesity with health impairment as a chronic disease, which should prompt medical intervention.
A summary of the article is available on the button link.
National Framework for Clinical Obesity Services
The vision for the Framework is to contribute to the creation of a health system that provides timely and equitable access to the best available care for the effective management of obesity and its complications. This vision includes both clinical obesity services and the community support networks necessary to ensure ongoing wellbeing during and after care.
Public Bariatric Surgery - A National Framework
ANZMOSS & Collaborative Public Bariatric Surgery Taskforce – October 2020