Obesity is defined as chronic disease process. However, current guidelines for obesity are not aligned sufficiently with those adopted for other chronic diseases. The diagnosis of obesity is based solely on BMI values, not reflecting the role of adipose tissue distribution and function in the severity of the disease. Indications for using the different therapeutic approaches now available for obesity management remain mostly based on anthropometric measurements, rather than on a complete clinical evaluation. This contrast with other chronic diseases, for which therapeutic targets are set, and the choice of the treatment is based on the probability of reaching the target, with adequate and prompt treatment intensification if needed. To stimulate the development of clinical guidelines for obesity more aligned with those already in place for other chronic diseases, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) conducted a consensus process to propose a new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults.