Unequal weight

The Edmonton Obesity Staging System is a new way to evaluate the risks of obesity.

SOURCE: Dr. A.M. Sharma and Dr. R.F. Kushner

Stage	Description	Management
0	No apparent obesity-related risk factors (e.g., blood pressure, blood fats, etc. within normal range), no physical symptoms, no psychological concerns, no functional limitations and/or impairment of well-being	Identification of factors contributing to increased body weight Counselling to prevent further weight gain through lifestyle measures including healthy eating and increased physical activity
1	Presence of early-stage risk factors related to obesity (e.g., borderline hypertension, elevated liver enzymes, etc.), mild physical symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath on moderate exertion, occasional aches and pains, fatigue, etc.), mild psychological concerns, mild functional limitations and/or mild impairment of well-being	Investigation for other (non-weight-related) contributors to risk factors More intense lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise to prevent further weight gain Monitoring of risk factors and health status
2	Presence of established obesity-related chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, reflux disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, anxiety disorder, etc.), moderate limitations in activities of daily living and/or well-being	Initiation of obesity treatments including considerations of all behavioural, pharmacological and surgical treatment options Close monitoring and management of related diseases and disorders as indicated
3	Established end-organ damage such as heart attack, heart failure, diabetic complications, incapacitating osteoarthritis, significant psychological concerns, significant functional limitations and/or impairment of well-being	More intensive obesity treatment including consideration of all behavioural, pharmacological and surgical treatment options Aggressive management of related diseases and disorders as indicated
4	Severe (potentially end-stage) disabilities from obesity-related chronic diseases, severe disabling psychological concerns, severe functional limitations and/or severe impairment of well-being	Aggressive obesity management as deemed feasible Palliative measures including pain management, occupational therapy and psychosocial support