Obesity Redefined: BMI Alone May Miss Many Cases
TL;DR
Using an updated obesity definition that accounts for excess body fat and related organ dysfunction, a new study suggests BMI alone may miss many cases and could reclassify a substantial share of U.S. adults as obese. While this approach highlights the need for broader measures like waist circumference, experts caution against overcounting since non-obesity causes can raise fat-related risk and BMI remains a practical starting point for screening, with implications for earlier treatment.
- Obesity May Be More Prevalent Than Previously Thought The New York Times
- Obesity With a Normal BMI? Study Suggests It's Common MedPage Today
- Body mass index found to drastically underestimate obesity levels in the United States Keck Medicine of USC
- Are We Measuring Metabolic Health All Wrong? MedCity News
- HOMETOWN HEALTH: Normal BMI may not rule out obesity-related health risks, new study shows WDBJ7
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