An international commission of scientists is challenging the long-standing reliance on body mass index (BMI) as the primary measure for diagnosing obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission recommends adding new criteria, including waist circumference and other body fat assessments, to provide a more accurate picture of health. Experts argue that BMI alone can misclassify individuals due to its inability to differentiate between muscle mass and fat or identify unhealthy fat distribution.

Dr. Robert Kushner, an endocrinologist and member of the commission, emphasized that belly fat is particularly harmful, contributing to systemic inflammation and increasing risks for metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The commission proposes redefining obesity with two new categories: clinical obesity, for individuals already suffering from obesity-related conditions, and pre-clinical obesity, which indicates elevated risk based on body fat levels.

The updated framework reflects the complexity of obesity, aiming to guide personalized treatment. With over 1 billion people globally affected, the report highlights the urgency of adopting more precise and inclusive measures to combat the rising health and economic burdens of obesity.