Belief as reflection or distortion of truth

Shin Hyun-Young

By Shin Hyun-Young

A 30-year-old Korean woman 164 centimeters tall who weighs 65 kilograms without metabolic disease tried to lose weight for years after being diagnosed as overweight due to her body mass index (BMI) of 24.1.

Her work and personal relationships were negatively affected by her weight problem, which led to depression.

However, visits to Western countries brought her comfort as she felt relatively slim there, raising the question of whether she was really overweight.

Recently, the medical debate about the definition of obesity has resurfaced in Korea.

Some professionals suggest that obese people tend to have a lower mortality rate compared to those with normal weight, and propose that the cutoff level of obesity be increased from a BMI of 25 to around 27.

Thus, the obesity criteria of BMI 25 may be changed.

On the other hand, since skinny Koreans tend to have a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders than other ethnicities, some propose that the standard of obesity should be kept.

A recent TV program concerning a low calorie-high fat diet (LCHF) for anti-obesity caused unexpected repercussions.

After watching the program, many people started to consume high amounts of pork, butter, cheese and other fatty foods without guilt. In addition, inquiries from obesity patients about the LCHF diet have increased at my obesity clinic.

Medicine is rapidly developing and medical knowledge progresses on a daily basis. Experts develop logical conclusions based on scientific evidence.

Depending on the degree of scientific rigor, such assertions are considered facts or remain hypotheses.

According to Thomas Kuhn’s book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,” a paradigm reflects shared values of the era rather than absolute truth.

Sometimes, health information programs are a source of annoyance to doctors. Health comments contrary to the paradigm of the era attract more attention during introduction of health foods, products and medical procedures.

If a person proposes a modality as superior to conventional treatment with a low level of scientific evidence, is he or she a pioneer of the next paradigm or an exploiter of varying properties of truth?

Panelists who convey rational and objective ideas should gain more attention and support from TV viewers and program producers, in order to prevent health misunderstandings.

I recommend a low-carbohydrate diet with a sober assessment of a high-fat diet for obesity patients under my care.

Moreover, irrespective of obesity, metabolic health should be maintained without diabetes, dyslipidemia or metabolic syndromes through correct lifestyle choices such as appropriate caloric intake with balanced nutrition and regular exercise. These opinions have been voiced by doctors and related experts through the ages.

The writer is the director of Korean Medical Women’s Association and a doctor at Myongji Hospital.