Lancet Global Commission Recommends New Approach to Diagnosing Obesity

A new report by the Lancet Global Commission has urged an overhaul of how obesity is diagnosed, recommending a more nuanced approach that takes into account measures of body fat such as waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio in addition to body mass index (BMI).

The current reliance on BMI has been criticized for being an unreliable measure of health and disease, leading to misdiagnosis and potential negative consequences for people living with obesity. According to the report, a single value underestimates an individual's actual risk of developing conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

The Lancet Commission recommends the use of objective measures of illness in the form of 'clinical obesity' and 'pre-clinical obesity'. Clinical obesity refers to a chronic condition caused by obesity-related organ dysfunction, while pre-clinical obesity is associated with an increased health risk without existing illness.

This approach could reduce the risk of misclassification and provide more personalized care for individuals with obesity. For instance, those diagnosed with clinical obesity would have timely access to evidence-based treatments, while those with pre-clinical obesity could benefit from risk-reduction strategies.

"Obesity is not simply a yes or no question - it's a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach," said Francesco Rubino, chair of the Lancet Global Commission. "By reframing our understanding of obesity, we can provide more effective care and allocate healthcare resources more rationally."

The Lancet Global Commission's recommendations are endorsed by over 75 medical organizations, including the All India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity (AIAARO).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated one billion people worldwide lived with obesity in 2022. The condition has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being, quality of life, and fertility.

As the global response to the growing obesity epidemic continues to evolve, the Lancet Global Commission's report provides a vital framework for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat this complex condition effectively.