Lancet commission’s report calls for global shake-up and suggests looking at measures such as waist-to-height ratios and ill-health symptoms

Summary

A Lancet report urges a global revamp of obesity diagnosis, citing over-reliance on BMI as misleading and harmful.

Experts argue BMI often fails to reflect true health by overlooking fat distribution and organ function.

They propose redefining obesity into two categories: “clinical obesity” (linked to health impairments) and “pre-clinical obesity” (no current illness but heightened future risk).

The shift aims for more personalized care and early intervention.

Over 75 medical groups endorse the report’s recommendations.