Obesity is a chronic disease that requires lifelong care and individually tailored therapy. In Germany alone, more than 16 million people are affected. This figure shows how great the need is for up-to-date, neutral and scientifically proven information on obesity. The diabinfo.de portal, a joint service of Helmholtz Munich, the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), now provides independent information on the disease. (Obesity information at diabinfo.de)
In addition to restricted mobility, obesity increases the risk of a number of concomitant diseases and complications and can have a negative impact on well-being and quality of life. The disease poses major challenges for those affected, healthcare systems and those treating them. So far, obesity has been diagnosed on the basis of the body mass index (BMI), which associates body weight with height. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher.
Proposal to revise the diagnosis of obesity
However, the BMI does not take into account the distribution of fat tissue, which is of crucial importance for health risk. Visceral fat in particular, which accumulates around the internal organs in the abdominal cavity, is associated with a greatly increased risk of obesity-related complications. An international commission, in which researchers from the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and Helmholtz Munich are also involved, has therefore recently spoken out in favor of revising the diagnosis of obesity. In addition to the BMI, additional body fat measurements and objective signs of illness at an individual level should also be taken into account when making a diagnosis1. (International Commission Proposes Major...)
For the definition of obesity, the Commission proposes a new classification into two categories: clinical obesity and preclinical obesity. Clinical obesity describes a chronic disease associated with obesity-related, persistent organ dysfunction. In contrast, preclinical obesity is associated with an increased health risk, but not with permanent illness.
Obesity starts in the brain
Lack of exercise and a poor diet are often seen as the cause of the chronic disease. However, the mechanisms in the body that lead to obesity and trigger the disease are more complex. A recent study conducted by the University Hospital of Tübingen, Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) provided new insights into the role of the brain as a crucial control center and origin of obesity and type 2 diabetes2. (Tübingen Study: The Brain Plays a Central Role in the Development of Obesity)
About diabinfo.de
The diabinfo.de portal, a joint service of Helmholtz Munich, the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), provides scientifically proven and independent information in five languages. The new content complements the existing information on the prevention of type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. diabinfo.de is financed with public funds (BIÖG, BMG and BMBF).
Further information can be found at www.diabinfo.de
Sources:
1 Rubino, F. et al.: Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. In: Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2025 (Online ahead of print)
https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(24)00316-4
2 Kullmann, S., …, Birkenfeld, A.L. et al. A short-term, high-caloric diet has prolonged effects on brain insulin action in men. Nat Metab (2025).
DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01226-9