Rethinking Health: Beyond the WHO’s Definition

The way we define health shapes how we approach well-being, healthcare, and chronic illness. For decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."  While this definition was groundbreaking in 1948, modern perspectives argue that it is outdated, especially in the context of chronic illnesses and the evolving understanding of well-being (Sartorius, 2006).

The WHO Definition and Its Limitations

The WHO’s definition presents health as an ideal state of well-being, suggesting that any deviation from "complete" health means a person is unhealthy. This view is problematic for those living with chronic illnesses or disabilities, who, under this definition, might be considered perpetually unwell. The reality is that many individuals with long-term conditions can lead fulfilling lives despite their health challenges.

A critical perspective from BMJ (Huber et al., 2011) argues that health should not be viewed as an absolute state but as a dynamic process. The authors propose redefining health as “the ability to adapt and self-manage in the face of social, physical, and emotional challenges”​. This perspective recognizes that people with chronic conditions can still maintain a good quality of life through resilience, adaptation, and effective self-care (Huber et al., 2011).

Expanding the Concept of Health

The Croatian Medical Journal (Sartorius, 2006) presents three possible definitions of health:

1. Absence of disease or impairment – a traditional medical model where health is simply the lack of diagnosed illness.

2. Ability to function in daily life – a broader view that includes coping with health conditions while maintaining daily activities.

3. A state of balance – defining health as an equilibrium between internal well-being and the external environment​

This third approach aligns closely with modern holistic health perspectives, acknowledging that health is not just about medical conditions but also about how individuals navigate their physical, emotional, and social realities.

The Public Health Perspective

The Onondaga County Health Department offers a more community-focused definition, stating that health “is about more than not being sick—it’s about having the opportunity to live a fulfilling life in a supportive environment.” This perspective emphasizes the role of social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, education, economic stability, and a healthy environment​ (Sartorius, 2006).

Why a New Definition of Health Matters

Moving beyond the rigid WHO definition allows for a more inclusive understanding of health—one that recognizes chronic illness, mental health challenges, and disability without labeling individuals as "unhealthy." It also shifts the focus of healthcare from merely treating diseases to fostering resilience, self-management, and social well-being.

A modern, flexible definition of health acknowledges that:

• Health is not an all-or-nothing state.

• Chronic illness does not automatically mean poor health.

• Social and environmental factors play a crucial role in well-being.

• The ability to adapt and find balance is central to living a healthy life.

By embracing a broader, more adaptive definition of health, we can create healthcare policies and social structures that empower individuals to live well, regardless of their medical conditions.

References

Adobe Stock. (2024). The 10 Biggest Trends Revolutionizing Healthcare In 2024 [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/

Huber, M., Knottnerus, J. A., Green, L., van der Horst, H., Jadad, A. R., Kromhout, D., Leonard, B., Lorig, K., Loureiro, M. I., van der Meer, J. W. M., Schnabel, P., Smith, R., van Weel, C., & Smid, H. (2011). How should we define health? BMJ, 343, d4163. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23051314​Huber-HEALTHDEFINEIT-20…

Onondaga County Health Department. (n.d.). What is health? Onondaga County Health News. https://healthnews.ongov.net/what-is-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Sartorius, N. (2006). The meanings of health and its promotion. Croatian Medical Journal, 47(4), 662–664. https://www.cmj.hr/​CroatMedJ_47_0662

World Health Organization. (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf