International Health Commission Working to Better Define Obesity [Video]

There could be changes to way obesity is defined and diagnosed. In a new report in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, an international committee of scientists is proposing a more nuanced and objective way to assess body composition by adding more metrics such as waist circumference to the criteria.

The commission has 56 experts with expertise in nutrition, endocrinology, internal medicine and public health. The report comes as obesity rates rise around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than one billion people are living with obesity. The World Obesity Federation estimates that the economic impact of obesity will rise above $4 trillion by 2035.

For years, physicians have measured obesity by calculating their body mass index (BMI). BMI is a quick and inexpensive estimate based on weight and height. However, BMI doesn’t provide an accurate picture about a person’s health. Relying on BMI alone can result in a misdiagnosis.

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