Experts Propose a New Definition of 'Obesity' for Targeted Support

New York – Obesity experts in the United States have proposed a new definition of obesity that goes beyond the traditional measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI), which relies solely on height and weight calculations. They suggest incorporating other indicators, such as waist circumference, along with evidence of health complications related to excess weight.

David Cummings, an obesity specialist at the University of Washington and one of the 58 co-authors of a report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, stated that the main goal of this recommendation is to define obesity more precisely to better target individuals who need help the most.

The new guidelines propose classifying obesity into two categories: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.

Clinical obesity refers to individuals with a high BMI, additional indicators, and evidence of organ, tissue, or other health problems caused by excess weight. These issues may include heart disease, hypertension, liver or kidney disease, or severe chronic joint pain in the knees or hips. Such patients would qualify for treatments like dietary adjustments, exercise programs, and weight-loss medications.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 40% of U.S. adults are living with obesity. Globally, the number of people with obesity is projected to exceed 1 billion.

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