Obesity redefined! Global experts propose moving beyond body mass index (BMI), using advanced body fat measures for a tailored approach to weight management.
Highlights:
The definition of obesity needs to be broadened beyond the widely used body mass index (BMI) measure, suggested a new report from a global team of health experts (1✔ ✔Trusted Source- Obesity should no longer be diagnosed solely based on body mass index (BMI); advanced body fat measures provide a clearer picture
- Pre-clinical obesity identifies risk factors early, while clinical obesity directly impacts organ function and quality of life
- A tailored treatment strategy for obesity improves outcomes and cost-efficiency by addressing individual health needs
Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity
Go to source). The Commission on Clinical Obesity, led by hundreds of medical professionals from diverse specializations around the world, issued the new guidelines. The panel suggests using body fat measures and the presence of pre-existing health concerns, but warns against using BMI alone as an individual health indicator.
The suggestion also suggests using the words "pre-clinical" and "clinical" obesity to provide more sophisticated approaches to evaluating and managing obesity.
Carbohydrates and Its Role in Obesity
Over 1 billion people world-wide are obese thus affecting their health due to their nutrition and lifestyle. 3.9% of India’s population is obese! Know more about obesity and its prevention.
Over 1 billion people world-wide are obese thus affecting their health due to their nutrition and lifestyle. 3.9% of India’s population is obese! Know more about obesity and its prevention.
‘Did you know?
Two people with the same BMI can have drastically different health risks depending on where their body fat is stored. BMI doesn’t tell the whole story! A new report suggests redefining obesity as pre-clinical & clinical, focusing on body fat metrics for smarter treatment. #obesityredefined #bmi #bodyfat #medindia’
Two people with the same BMI can have drastically different health risks depending on where their body fat is stored. BMI doesn’t tell the whole story! A new report suggests redefining obesity as pre-clinical & clinical, focusing on body fat metrics for smarter treatment. #obesityredefined #bmi #bodyfat #medindia’
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What is Pre-Clinical Obesity?
Pre-clinical obesity is defined as extra fat that does not cause organ malfunction but increases the likelihood of developing clinical obesity and other long-term health concerns like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes."In other words, their organs are operating properly." Dr. Robert Kushner, a commissioner and professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, stated that they have no metabolic problems and have a relatively high quality of life.
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Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in the developing countries and needs to be understood and tackled effectively.
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in the developing countries and needs to be understood and tackled effectively.
What is Clinical Obesity?
Clinical obesity, on the other hand, is defined as excess fat that directly impairs organ function or hinders an individual's capacity to carry out daily tasks. It can result in potentially fatal complications like heart attack, renal failure, and/or stroke."The extra body fat is impacting the health or the quality of life of the individual," according to Kushner.
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From BMI to Waist-to-Height: A New Era in Obesity Diagnosis
Why is the waist-to-height ratio a better obesity indicator than BMI? It more accurately predicts health risks related to abdominal fat distribution.
Why is the waist-to-height ratio a better obesity indicator than BMI? It more accurately predicts health risks related to abdominal fat distribution.
Diagnostic Criteria for Obesity
The paper goes on to detail the diagnostic criteria for obesity, which include an elevated BMI and at least one abnormal body fat measurement, such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, or high direct body fat measures found on a scan.Notably, regardless of BMI, an individual with two or more abnormal body fat measures can still be classified as obese.
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Disadvantages of Diagnosing Obesity with BMI Alone
According to the World Health Organization, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more in adults, and it affects one in every eight people. However, using BMI alone to diagnose obesity has certain disadvantages."BMI doesn't take body composition, how much of body weight is fat, or the location of the fat into account," said Dr. Louis Aronne, head of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, in an email to ABC News. "As a result, someone may be average weight yet have a high percentage of body fat, putting them at risk for clinical obesity. Additionally, someone may have a high BMI but a low body fat percentage."
Treating Obesity Beyond BMI Metrics
The commission also stated that obesity is a chronic condition with serious health effects. "This is a physical phenomenon, rather than a mental or behavioral one. Obesity, as a disease-causing entity, causes or exacerbates a variety of ailments. Losing weight benefits all of them simultaneously," said Aronne."Recognizing that certain patients already have obesity issues (clinical) and focusing more extensive, expensive therapy on them makes sense as a cost-effective strategy. Those who have not reached that stage (pre-clinical) can begin treatment with less intensive and less expensive options," Aronne explained.
It is unknown when or if these recommendations will be generally accepted by the medical community.
"We're trying to get this out," Kushner explained. "We're putting a stake in the ground to begin, moving away from a blanket diagnosis of obesity for anybody with a high BMI. We really need to start identifying those who are harmed by their weight.
Reference:
- Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity - (https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/clinical-obesity)
Source-Medindia
