An analysis of disability models and the application of the ICF to obesity

Purpose. Given the significant increase in obesity rates and associated health risks, understanding obesity treatment in the context of disability is important to rehabilitation practitioners. Method. Published literature in the area of obesity research and clinical practice was reviewed within the medical, social and biopsychosocial conceptual models of disability. Results. There is universal agreement that disability is experienced by obese persons. However, interventions for rehabilitation practitioners are not articulated clearly in the literature. No specific conceptual model to underpin rehabilitation treatment is recommended. Conclusions. This article provides a rationale for rehabilitation practitioners to use a biopsychosocial model ( the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) as a universal framework to classify disability related to the condition of obesity.