Obesity rates are soaring globally, and experts are calling for a redefinition of the term to improve individual health assessments. A newly published report in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology indicates that many individuals labeled as obese may not fit a one-size-fits-all diagnosis based solely on their Body Mass Index (BMI). The report emphasizes the need to evaluate the health of patients with excess body fat beyond just their BMI scores, advocating for distinctions between 'clinical obesity'—which arises from weight-related health issues—and 'pre-clinical obesity', for those without complications.
The report, which features contributions from over 50 international medical professionals, suggests that obesity should be viewed as a spectrum. While some individuals with higher body fat percentages lead normal and active lives, others may face severe health challenges, including mobility issues and chronic illnesses. According to Professor Francesco Rubino of King’s College London, redefining obesity could help in assessing the health risks across populations more accurately, moving away from the simplistic BMI threshold of 30.
Current obesity definitions often limit access to critical weight-loss treatments for those with concerning health indicators. This includes highly sought-after medication, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, which often strictly require a BMI over the traditional cutoff for prescription eligibility. By adopting a more detailed approach, focusing on direct fat measurements and organ-related health concerns, clinicians could enhance patient care and treatment effectiveness, especially for those in the pre-clinical phase who may simply need lifestyle guidance.
The report argues that medical professionals should adopt assessments involving waist-to-height ratios and comprehensive medical histories. By doing so, healthcare providers would be able to distinguish between patients who require immediate intervention and those who should be monitored or counseled to prevent future health risks.
The Royal College of Physicians has supported the report's recommendations, underscoring the need for early identification and care for those impacted by obesity. However, there is concern that limited health budgets may prioritize funding for clinically obese patients at the expense of pre-clinical care.
As the discourse on obesity evolves, the involvement of healthcare systems and the approach of prescribing medication could drastically shift, emphasizing a need for balance in addressing both current public health issues and future prevention strategies.
