A commission has proposed a new definition of obesity that shifts focus from BMI to the health impacts of excess fat.

Sara Myers

2 weeks ago
Healthcare professional using body fat caliper on a smiling woman during check-up.

Photo by Lucas Guimarães

In a significant development in the understanding of obesity, an international panel has suggested redefining the condition by emphasizing the effects of excess body fat on health rather than relying solely on body mass index (BMI). This proposal, which was published in The Lancet & Endocrinology, could potentially transform clinical practices for the estimated 890 million adults worldwide classified as obese.

Traditionally, obesity has been defined primarily through BMI, where a score of 30 or higher indicates obesity and a score between 25 and 29.9 indicates being overweight. However, the new approach advocates for incorporating waist circumference measurements into the assessment.

The commission’s recommendations come at a time when obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular issues.

As discussions around this new definition progress, experts are urging individuals to engage with their healthcare providers about their specific health risks related to body fat distribution. The implications of these changes could be profound, potentially leading to more effective treatments and preventive measures tailored to individual needs.

This shift in perspective on obesity underscores a broader trend in public health towards more nuanced understandings of health metrics and their implications for patient care.

Sources:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9107388/
[2] https://spcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=254319&p=1695316
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/health/overweight-obesity-2050/index.html
[4] https://guides.library.illinois.edu/periodicals/article
[5] https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/22/health/what-is-bmi-wellness/index.html
[6] https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-3-putting-ideas-into-your-own-words-and-paragraphs/
[7] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/health/chronic-disease-hypertension-diabetes-wellness/index.html
[8] https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/documents/ExamPapers&Memos/Mind%20the%20Gap/languages/MTG%20EFAL%20P3%20Writing.pdf
[9] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/24/health/obesity-bmi-diabetes-cardiovascular-health-wellness/index.html

Related Articles

Concerns Rise Over Mutated Bird Flu Virus in Louisiana Patient

Concerns Rise Over Mutated Bird Flu Virus in Louisiana Patient

The bird flu virus has likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, raising concerns about its potential transmissibility to humans, according to a recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In December 2024, a resident of southwestern...

Food Safety Experts Urge Caution as Holiday Season Approaches

Food Safety Experts Urge Caution as Holiday Season Approaches

As the holiday season kicks off, food safety experts are emphasizing the importance of careful meal preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. Outbreaks of food poisoning typically increase during November and December, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease...

Skip to content