A new definition of obesity has been proposed by an international commission, which challenges the current use of body mass index (BMI) as a sole measure of the condition. The commission suggests focusing on the amount of body fat and associated medical complications rather than just weight.
The report, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, was endorsed by 76 organizations worldwide and proposes two categories: pre-clinical obesity and clinical obesity. Pre-clinical obesity refers to individuals with a high BMI but minimal excess fat, who should be monitored and counseled instead of treated. Clinical obesity is diagnosed when an individual has any of the 18 medical conditions caused by excessive weight.
The commission recommends using waist measurements as a simpler way to determine excess body fat. A woman’s waist circumference of more than 34.6 inches may indicate too much fat, while a man’s waist should be at least 40 inches.
Experts from various organizations, including the American Heart Association and the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, have praised the commission’s approach, citing the need to move beyond the limitations of BMI in defining obesity. However, some experts express concerns that the new definitions may not gain widespread acceptance, given the long-standing reliance on BMI.
The proposed shift in definition may also impact the use of obesity medications and other treatments. Obesity drugs are expensive, and restricting them to patients with clinical obesity could make treatment more accessible. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how widely this new definition will be adopted by healthcare professionals and regulatory agencies worldwide.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/health/bmi-obesity-definition.html