THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF FUNCTIONING, DISABILITY, AND HEALTH (ICF) IN OBESITY

Abstract

Obesity is defined as excess accumulation of body-fat resulting from excess energy (calorie) with food intake over energy consumption, which reduces life expectancy and quality of life. Obesity is a chronic condition and moreover, is a risk factor for several other chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. It has been universally accepted that obese individuals have many problems in health status and participation in the activities of daily living (ADLs) and social life. Obesity itself is considered a disability because it is associated with limitations in mobility, physical functions, basic ADLs, and instrumental ADLs. The role of physiatrist in the management of obesity is similar to other medical conditions that are based not only on therapeutic perspective but also on the multidisciplinary team working. In order to optimize the functional status, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation approaches obesity like other health conditions: both from the treatment perspective and from the functioning and disability perspective. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a perfect framework for structuring assessments, identifying needs, measuring rehabilitation outcomes and finally managing treatment plans in obesity as similar to other medical conditions. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on obesity and establish a common language for comprehensive assessment of obesity and its associated disabilities from the ICF perspective.