A global group of experts has suggested a new approach to diagnosing and treating obesity that does not rely solely on the much-contested body mass index (BMI).

Is obesity a disease or a risk factor for disease? In medical circles – and outside of them – the question is contentious, with supporters on either side. In a newly published report, the Global Commission on Clinical Obesity has strived to settle the debate,

Doctors worldwide should diagnose obesity differently, relying on broader criteria and taking into account when the condition causes ill-health, according to a new framework drawn up by experts and endorsed by 76 medical organizations internationally.

An international and widely supported group of experts is pushing doctors to avoid the exclusive use of BMI to decide whether someone has obesity, alongside other major changes.

Learn how your BMI can help identify if your obesity poses serious health risks and what steps to take for better outcomes.

“We recommend that BMI should be used only as a surrogate measure of health risk at a population level, for epidemiological studies, or for screening purposes, rather than as an individual measure of health,” the report reads.

A new framework endorsed by 76 medical organizations proposes a revised method for diagnosing obesity. Experts suggest using broader criteria beyond BMI, introducing categories for 'clinical' and 'pre-clinical' obesity.

“Relying on BMI alone to diagnose obesity is problematic as some people tend to store ... said in a news release. “This will also save healthcare resources by reducing the rate of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment,” Baur added.

The BMI, a weight-to-height ratio, has been criticised as too simplistic as it cannot distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Woxsen University Researchers developed an AI model to predict 'Obesity Risk' based on lifestyle data, aiming to prevent diseases.

Traditionally BMI was used to define obesity, but a team of doctors redefined obesity based on the Indian population.

Instead of relying only on body mass index (BMI), which has some ... one billion people living with obesity worldwide but also to reduce stigma, optimise healthcare resources and ensure fair ...