Why BMI Might Soon Be Considered Outdated in Obesity Diagnosis
Experts are pushing for a shift away from BMI to better assess obesity and health.
Obesity, BMI, Health Risks, Clinical Obesity, Preclinical Obesity, Francesco Rubino, London, USA
London: The body mass index, or BMI, might be on its way out. Experts are saying it’s not the best way to measure obesity anymore. They think it’s too simplistic and doesn’t really capture the whole picture of a person’s health.
The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity is suggesting we look at other ways to measure body fat and health. They want to focus on symptoms and other factors, not just that one number. This idea is backed by 75 medical organizations worldwide, which is pretty impressive.
They’re aiming for a more personalized approach to diagnosing obesity. The old way of just labeling someone as obese doesn’t cut it anymore. Some folks might have excess weight but still be healthy, while others might be struggling with serious health issues.
Professor Francesco Rubino from King’s College London pointed out that the debate around whether obesity is a disease is a bit flawed. He believes it’s not just black and white. Some people with obesity can be healthy, while others might be facing real health challenges.
The commission is proposing two new categories: clinical obesity and preclinical obesity. Clinical obesity would include those who have symptoms like breathlessness or joint pain due to excess fat. Preclinical obesity would refer to those who are technically obese but still have normal organ function.
Rubino thinks this new model could help the over one billion people living with obesity get the care they need. While BMI can help identify those at risk, it doesn’t tell the whole story about someone’s health.
Professor Robert Eckel from the University of Colorado added that relying solely on BMI can be misleading. Some people store fat in ways that are riskier for their health, so it’s important to consider other measurements like waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio.
In short, the commission believes this new approach will lead to better, more tailored care for both adults and kids dealing with obesity. It’s all about getting the right treatment for the right people.