Overfat and Underfat: New Terms and Definitions Long Overdue

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human Physiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• The global obesity epidemic is well-documented, with obese individuals now outnumbering underweight ones.
• Excess body fat, termed the "overfat" condition, presents a significant health concern, often undetected by traditional metrics like Body Mass Index (BMI).
• The underfat state, characterized by insufficient body fat, is also a prevalent and dangerous health issue, particularly in developing nations where it coexists with rising obesity rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and advocate for the terms "overfat" and "underfat" to describe body composition states.
• To suggest that improved terminology can enhance public awareness and facilitate the adoption of preventive measures and remedies for abnormal body fat conditions.
• To propose that widespread adoption of "overfat" and "underfat" terminology could lead to substantial global health improvements.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on cognitive linguistics to explore the impact of terminology on public perception and behavior.
• Review of existing epidemiological data on obesity, underweight, and body composition.

Main Results:

• The current classification of obesity using BMI may not fully capture the extent of the overfat pandemic.
• The overfat condition, distinct from clinical obesity, is a widespread issue linked to metabolic impairments.
• The underfat condition represents a significant, often overlooked, health risk.

Conclusions:

• The terms "overfat" and "underfat" offer a more accurate and accessible way to describe body composition compared to existing classifications.
• Implementing these terms in common language could significantly improve public understanding and engagement with health issues related to body fat.
• Promoting "overfat" and "underfat" terminology holds the potential to drive positive changes in global health outcomes.