A team of international experts is suggesting a fresh approach to defining and diagnosing obesity. They want to shift focus away from the often-criticized body mass index (BMI) and introduce new criteria to identify people who genuinely need help with obesity-related health issues.
Previously, obesity was mainly assessed using BMI, which calculates body fat based on height and weight. However, this method has its shortcomings. The new recommendations, released recently, propose that obesity be evaluated using a combination of BMI and other measurements like waist circumference and signs of related health problems.
Globally, obesity affects over 1 billion individuals. In the U.S., around 40% of adults struggle with obesity, according to the CDC.
Dr. David Cummings, an obesity expert from the University of Washington and one of the report’s authors, emphasized that the goal is to refine the definition of obesity. This change aims to direct resources toward people who truly need assistance, rather than relying solely on BMI.
The report introduces two clear categories: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.
People classified with clinical obesity meet the criteria of BMI and other indicators while also showing health problems caused by excess weight. These can include conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic pain. Such individuals would qualify for treatments, including lifestyle changes or medication.
On the other hand, those with pre-clinical obesity may be at risk for these conditions but do not have any illnesses related to their weight yet.
Historically, BMI has been criticized for misclassifying people. For instance, athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass rather than fat. Under the new guidelines, initial findings suggest that around 20% of individuals previously deemed obese may no longer fit that classification. Conversely, about 20% of those with serious health issues but lower BMI could now be included in the clinical obesity category.
Overall, this overhaul of obesity definitions has gained the backing of over 75 medical organizations worldwide. However, experts agree that implementing these changes will come with challenges, including costs and potential impacts on healthcare professionals. A representative from the health insurance group AHIP noted that it’s too soon to determine how these new criteria will fit into insurance coverage and policies.
Experts like Dr. Katherine Saunders highlighted practical hurdles. While measuring waist circumference might sound straightforward, differences in how it’s done and limited equipment can complicate the process. Moreover, distinguishing between clinical and pre-clinical obesity requires comprehensive health evaluations.
Dr. Robert Kushner, another report co-author, acknowledged that adopting these new definitions will take time. He believes this initiative will spark necessary discussions about how we define and treat obesity moving forward.
Source link
obesity,BMI,clinical obesity,pre-clinical obesity,health assessment
