While BMI has served as a useful tool for population estimates, it falls short for clinical diagnosis of obesity. Health risks at a given BMI value can be different for different populations and/or individuals.
In a landmark decision, The Lancet Commission, supported by 58 commissioners worldwide, has called for a paradigm shift in the clinical diagnosis obesity. Under the new recommendations, BMI should no longer serve as the sole criterion for identifying obesity. Instead, it will be combined with other vital metrics such as waist circumference and evidence of health challenges linked to excess adiposity, including metabolic, mechanical, or psychological burdens.
The accompanying infographic from the Commission illustrates this nuanced approach, emphasizing that obesity is a complex disease influenced by multiple factors. By refining diagnostic precision, individuals who are most in need of care will be prioritised. By doing so, healthcare providers can deliver more targeted and effective interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes.
This call to action is monumental and necessary. It demands a transformation in how healthcare systems approach obesity. It also challenges entrenched stigmas, urging providers to view obesity as a disease requiring empathy, evidence-based care, and a holistic understanding of each patient’s circumstances.
By moving beyond BMI, the global medical community has the opportunity to improve the health and quality of lives of millions of people living with obesity and reshape public health strategies for future generations.
ECPO Executive Director Vicki Mooney and Commissioner on the publication said, “This is a pivotal moment in the field of obesity as we evolve beyond solely relying on BMI for clinical diagnoses. The collective efforts of experts and patients alike have reinforced the urgent need for effective implementation strategies. Our focus must now shift to ensuring that individuals with obesity receive an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment they deserve, free from stigma and bias.”
Read the full publication – here
