A panel of experts has recommended a new method to diagnose
and treat obesity. A report published in The Lancet Diabetes &
Endocrinology recommends that patients are diagnosed as either clinically
obese or pre-clinically obese depending on a combination of factors including
their BMI, their fat distribution and whether they are suffering health
consequences as a result of their weight. It is hoped this new framework will
provide patients with better access to appropriate treatment.
Traditionally obesity has been defined as a BMI of more than
30. However, this does not take into account whether an individual has fat
distribution around their belly (high risk of heart disease) or around their
hips (lower risk). Nor does it assess the impact that weight is having on an
individual – do they have joint pain? Are they breathless? Do they have heart
failure?