What is ABCD?
ABCD stands for Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease. It's a diagnostic framework that replaces "obesity" with a focus on metabolic dysfunction rather than body mass index alone.
The framework recognizes that not all people with excess body fat have metabolic complications, and conversely, some people with relatively normal weight still have significant metabolic dysfunction (metabolically unhealthy normal weight).
ABCD divides adiposity-related disease into four stages based on the type and severity of complications, allowing clinicians to deliver more targeted, evidence-based care.
ABCD Framework Breakdown
- AAdiposity-Based - Focused on fat pathophysiology
- BBased on - Built on scientific evidence
- CChronic - Long-term metabolic disease
- DDisease - Requiring medical management
Core Principles of ABCD
Beyond BMI
ABCD moves away from BMI-centric approaches to focus on actual pathophysiological complications and metabolic dysfunction.
Complication-Centric
The framework classifies disease severity based on the presence and magnitude of adiposity-related complications.
Multisystem Approach
ABCD evaluates metabolic, biomechanical, cardiovascular, and psychological complications comprehensively.
Evidence-Based
Built on rigorous clinical research and validated biomarkers for accurate disease assessment and monitoring.
Why ABCD Matters
The Four Stages of ABCD
At Risk
Primary Prevention
Mild/Moderate
Secondary Prevention
Established
Active Management
Advanced
Tertiary Intervention
Systemic Impact
ABCD recognizes that adiposity affects multiple organ systems simultaneously. The disease is classified by the presence and severity of complications across four critical health domains:
Metabolic
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- NAFLD
- Insulin Resistance
Biomechanical
- Sleep Apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- GERD
- Urinary Issues
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
- Heart Failure
- CAD
- Arrhythmias
Psychological
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Body Image Issues
- Stigma