Workshop on methods for characterizing human obesities. Purposes and types of classifications.

The data base describing human obesities has expanded rapidly in the recent past, and the heterogeneity of this set of conditions is becoming clearer. Nevertheless, our lack of adequate understanding both of etiology and of functional consequences inhibits our ability to devise classifications which are therapeutically useful. A first step is the delineation of criteria for detailed characterization of obesity. In devising such criteria, it will be useful to bear in mind the purposes of classification schemes (etiologic, functional, therapeutic, prognostic) and the extent to which our existing understanding and conceptual categories (both scientific and cultural) direct our thinking.