10 sources·Health

New Framework Redefines Obesity Beyond BMI

Global experts propose a new approach to diagnosing obesity, introducing two categories based on health metrics instead of relying solely on BMI measurements.

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  1. Move aside BMI: There's a better way to define obesity, commission finds

    The proposed change to how obesity is defined reflects a much-needed shift towards a more accurate and meaningful assessment of health, prioritizing individual body composition over simplistic measures like BMI.

    Move aside BMI: There's a better way to define obesity, commission finds

    NPRNPR·3M
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  2. Global Experts Propose New Definition of Obesity

    The proposed shift away from the traditional BMI measurement in defining obesity aims to enhance the precision of diagnoses and treatment for those truly in need, even as it faces potential challenges in practical implementation.

    Global Experts Propose New Definition of Obesity

    NewsmaxNewsmax·3M
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  3. Obesity won’t be solely defined by BMI under new plan from global experts

    The new approach to defining obesity is a necessary evolution aimed at enhancing the precision of diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that individuals with clinically significant excess fat receive the attention they deserve.

    Obesity won’t be solely defined by BMI under new plan from global experts

    NBC NewsNBC News·3M
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  4. Global report urges more accurate definition of obesity than BMI

    The need for a more precise and compassionate understanding of obesity is crucial, not only to ensure that individuals receive appropriate diagnoses and treatments but also to address the growing demand for effective care in a global health crisis.

    Global report urges more accurate definition of obesity than BMI

    BBC NewsBBC News·3M
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  5. Obesity won’t be solely defined by BMI under new plan for diagnosis by global experts

    The proposed redefinition of obesity aims to provide a more accurate diagnosis that not only considers BMI but also additional health metrics, which is crucial for effectively targeting those who require treatment.

    Obesity won’t be solely defined by BMI under new plan for diagnosis by global experts

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·3M
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  6. Obesity won't be solely defined by BMI under new plan for diagnosis by global experts

    The effort to redefine obesity aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the condition, moving away from outdated measures like BMI to focus on the individuals who truly need assistance in managing their health.

    Obesity won't be solely defined by BMI under new plan for diagnosis by global experts

    Associated PressAssociated Press·3M
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  7. Reframing obesity may end the diagnosis debate, but the health challenges remain

    There is an urgent need to rethink how we define and diagnose obesity to ensure individuals receive the appropriate care, while also emphasizing that tackling the obesity epidemic requires collective action from governments and communities.

    Reframing obesity may end the diagnosis debate, but the health challenges remain

    The GuardianThe Guardian·3M
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  8. Experts Want Obesity Defined Beyond BMI

    The recent proposal from a global group of experts urges a much-needed reevaluation of how obesity is diagnosed and treated, advocating for a shift towards more precise and nuanced measures that recognize the complexities of body fat and health.

    Experts Want Obesity Defined Beyond BMI

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·3M
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  1. Business Insider
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  3. Newsmax
  4. NBC News
  5. BBC News
  6. Boston Herald
  7. Associated Press
  8. The Guardian
  9. TIME Magazine

Updated: Jan 15th, 2025, 11:58 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

A report by an international commission recommends redefining obesity to include waist circumference and health conditions, moving away from BMI as a sole diagnostic tool. The new classification introduces two categories: 'clinical obesity' for those with obesity-related health issues, and 'pre-clinical obesity' for individuals at risk but without current health problems. Supported by over 75 medical organizations, this shift aims to promote personalized care and more accurately identify those who need treatment. However, practical implementation of these recommendations may face challenges.


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