Millions of people misdiagnosed with obesity in the UK

London: It turns out that many folks in the UK are being wrongly labeled as obese. Experts are saying it’s time to rethink how we diagnose obesity. They argue that relying solely on BMI isn’t cutting it anymore.

Using just BMI can really mess things up. Some active people might be classified as obese even though they’re perfectly healthy. On the flip side, others who are genuinely struggling with their weight might not get the help they need.

A new report from a group of over 50 experts suggests we need a major change in how we look at obesity. They believe BMI is useful but should be just one part of the puzzle. Other measurements, like waist size, should also be considered.

Ideally, we’d measure total body fat, but that could mean more expensive tests. The experts are suggesting two new categories for obesity: clinical obesity, which is a serious health issue, and pre-clinical obesity, where someone has excess fat but isn’t sick yet.

There’s been a lot of debate about whether obesity is a disease. These new definitions could help clear things up. Some people who are active and fit shouldn’t be labeled as having a disease just because of their BMI.

Professor Francesco Rubino, who led the commission, pointed out that the current system has been around for decades. With so many people worldwide classified as obese, we can’t afford to keep using outdated methods.

He stressed that while obesity can be a health risk, it’s also important to recognize that for some, it’s a serious illness that needs proper diagnosis. We can’t just treat everyone the same way; personalized care is key.

The NHS is already rolling out weight loss treatments for those who qualify. Obesity is costing the NHS a fortune, and that’s only expected to rise in the coming years.

Recent surveys show that about 29% of adults in England are obese, along with 15% of children aged two to 15. Experts are glad that children’s height and weight are still being measured, as it’s crucial for tracking their growth and health.

Dr. Kath McCullough from the Royal College of Physicians noted that relying on BMI alone has been misleading. The new distinctions between pre-clinical and clinical obesity are a big step forward in identifying and helping those in need.

Katharine Jenner from the Obesity Health Alliance emphasized that we should focus on supporting people with excess weight rather than just how we measure it. Right now, many who need treatment can’t access it.

An NHS England spokesperson mentioned that they’ve updated their guidelines for identifying and treating obesity, ensuring that the latest evidence is taken into account.