Experts Urge Major Overhaul in Obesity Diagnosis Beyond BMI Scores

Leading experts are calling for a new approach to diagnosing obesity, moving beyond traditional BMI measurements.

Experts Urge Major Overhaul in Obesity Diagnosis Beyond BMI Scores
Experts Urge Major Overhaul in Obesity Diagnosis Beyond BMI Scores

London: Experts are sounding the alarm about how we diagnose obesity. They believe many people are being wrongly labeled as obese just based on their BMI. This method doesn’t capture the full picture of a person’s health.

Some folks might be active and healthy but still fall into the obesity category because of their BMI. On the flip side, others could be facing serious health issues due to obesity but don’t get the attention they need. A new report from over 50 global experts is pushing for a big change in how we diagnose obesity.

They argue that while BMI has its uses, it shouldn’t be the only measure. Instead, doctors should also look at waist-to-hip ratios and other factors. Ideally, we’d measure total body fat, but that can be costly and time-consuming.

The report introduces two new categories: clinical obesity, which is a serious health condition, and pre-clinical obesity, where someone has excess fat but isn’t necessarily sick. This aims to clear up the ongoing debate about whether obesity is a disease.

Professor Francesco Rubino, who leads the commission, emphasizes that some people classified as obese might be athletes or very active. He believes we need a more accurate way to diagnose obesity, especially since a billion people worldwide are labeled as obese.

He warns that treating everyone the same isn’t practical or effective. The NHS is already rolling out weight loss treatments, but the costs of obesity are skyrocketing, with estimates reaching £9.7 billion by 2050.

Recent stats show that about 29% of adults in England are considered obese, and 15% of kids aged two to 15 fall into that category too. Experts like Professor Louise Baur stress the importance of measuring height and weight in children to track their growth and health.

Dr. Kath McCullough points out that relying solely on BMI has been misleading. The new distinctions between obesity types are crucial for early intervention and proper care. Katharine Jenner from the Obesity Health Alliance highlights the need to support those struggling with excess weight rather than just focusing on how we measure it.

An NHS spokesperson mentioned that they’re following updated guidelines to better identify and treat those with obesity. It’s clear that a fresh approach is needed to tackle this growing issue.

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