Global Commission Proposes New Obesity Diagnosis Criteria with Clinical and Pre-Clinical Categories, Endorsed by 75 Medical Organizations

Jan 15, 2025, 12:03 AM

A global commission has proposed a significant shift in the diagnosis of obesity, moving away from relying solely on the Body Mass Index (BMI). The new approach, endorsed by over 75 medical organizations worldwide, suggests using additional measurements such as waist circumference and direct assessments of body fat, like DEXA scans, to better identify individuals with excess body fat. The commission introduces two new categories: clinical obesity, where patients exhibit health problems due to excess fat, and pre-clinical obesity, where patients have excess fat but no current health issues. This nuanced classification, detailed in a report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, includes 18 diagnostic criteria for adults and 13 for children. The aim is to improve treatment strategies by distinguishing between those who require immediate intervention and those who need monitoring and preventive measures.