According to a recent report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, many individuals are being inaccurately labeled as obese based solely on their Body Mass Index (BMI). This report, backed by over 50 global medical experts, highlights the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of health rather than relying on the BMI metric alone.
The primary focus of the report is that medical professionals should assess their patients’ overall health status instead of strictly adhering to BMI classifications. It proposes distinguishing between ‘clinical obesity,’ which applies to those who have chronic health conditions caused by their weight, and ‘pre-clinical obesity‘ for individuals who may carry excess fat without any health complications.
Professor Francesco Rubino from King’s College London, who chaired the group behind this recommendation, emphasized that obesity exists on a spectrum. For some individuals, obesity does not hinder their everyday functions, while others face severe health challenges, illustrating the necessity for varied diagnostics tailored to patient needs.
The report suggests that new models of assessment, such as waist-height ratios and direct fat measurements, could provide a more accurate picture of an individual’s health risks. For those with ‘pre-clinical obesity,’ an approach focusing on weight-loss advice, counseling, and regular monitoring should be prioritized over immediate treatments like medication or surgery, which are currently restricted by many healthcare systems to those with a BMI over 30.
Experts argue that this reframed approach could result in better care for both adults and children, allowing them to receive intervention suited to their specific health situations.
The Royal College of Physicians supports this report, describing it as a significant step toward treating obesity with the same careful consideration given to other chronic illnesses. They note that distinguishing between clinical and pre-clinical obesity will enable earlier interventions for those most in need.
Source: Bristol Live
