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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This story was covered by 10 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Health

Reliable

The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.

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Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by 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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This story is either non-partisan or includes only centrist sources, so no left or right-leaning analysis is included.

Highlights (9)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

The report highlights the urgent need to abandon the outdated BMI metric in favor of more comprehensive assessments that truly reflect individual health conditions.
BMI, one of the most popular ways of telling if you're a healthy weight, is bogus. Here's what to use instead.
Business Insider
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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
NPR
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
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 News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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 News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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 Herald
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
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 Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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 Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
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 Magazine
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left