Materiały źródłowe

• #1

  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

  Obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. […] The diagnosis of overweight and obesity is made by measuring peoples weight and height and by calculating the body mass index (BMI): weight (kg)/height (m). The body mass index is a surrogate marker of fatness and additional measurements, such as the waist circumference, can help the diagnosis of obesity. […] For adults, WHO defines overweight and obesity as follows: overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25; and obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30. […] For children under 5 years of age: overweight is weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations above WHO Child Growth Standards median; and obesity is weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median.

• #1

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/diagnosis/

  Body mass index (BMI) is widely used as a simple and reliable way of finding out whether a person is a healthy weight for their height. […] For most adults, having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered to be obese. […] While BMI is a useful measurement for most people, it’s not accurate for everyone. […] In such cases, your waist circumference may be a better guide. […] If you’re living with overweight or obesity, visit your GP for advice about losing weight safely and to find out whether you have an increased risk of health problems. […] As well as calculating your BMI, your GP may also carry out tests to determine whether you’re at increased risk of developing health complications because of your weight. […] People with very large waists generally, 94cm or more in men and 80cm or more in women are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems. […] Your GP may also take your ethnicity into account because it can affect your risk of developing certain conditions.

• #1 How Obesity is Diagnosed

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-obesity-is-diagnosed-4690037

  Because the risk of developing obesity-related health problems generally increases with BMI, obesity is further classified into three severity levels: Class I (BMI is 30.0 to 34.9), Class II (BMI is 35.0 to 39.9), Class III (BMI is 40 or greater). […] There are many factors to consider as part of a thorough obesity diagnosis other than just a persons weight status. Knowing what to expect and how to ensure an accurate weight evaluation may be the difference between a correct diagnosis leading to early intervention and a misdiagnosis of a persons weight status. […] BMI is not always a completely accurate measurement when it comes to obesity diagnosis. Some individuals, namely athletes who have a large percentage of muscle mass, can throw off the accuracy of the scale. […] Global health experts are proposing a more comprehensive approach to diagnosing obesity one that puts less emphasis on BMI or any single measurement of body size. […] New guidelines published in The Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology in January 2025 recommend multiple methods to confirm excess body fat when diagnosing obesity.

• #1 Class III Obesity (Formerly Known as Morbid Obesity)

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21989-class-iii-obesity-formerly-known-as-morbid-obesity

  Class III obesity, formerly known as morbid obesity, is a complex chronic disease in which you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. […] Healthcare providers diagnose class III obesity in part by measuring your body mass index (BMI). BMI is the ratio of your height to your weight. Optimum BMI ranges from 20 to 25. You may have class III obesity if you have a BMI of 40 or more. […] Your provider may recommend lab tests to check for health conditions that could be causing weight gain. They may also check for conditions that are highly associated with class III obesity. […] Treatment for class III obesity is very individualized. Every person is unique. So, you’ll need a treatment plan that’s specific to your situation and goals. Together, you and your healthcare provider can come up with a plan that treats the underlying causes of obesity. […] Without treatment, class III obesity can lead to several physical and mental health conditions. […] If untreated, class III obesity may shorten your life expectancy by up to 14 years.

• #1

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-024-00580-1

  However, it is important to consider that BMI is only useful as a screening tool since is not a direct measure of adiposity and, as will be discussed, is unreliable as an indicator of the degree to which excess adiposity affects health in individual patients. […] While useful as a screening tool, BMI is not a direct measure of adiposity and cannot by itself be used to diagnose overweight or obesity. […] BMI does not provide an indication of the impact of excess adiposity on health in individual patients. […] The imprecision of BMI as a measure of adiposity weakens the association between BMI and cardiometabolic and other health risks and impairs its clinical use as a risk factor. […] BMI can be used as a screening tool for obesity but, for diagnosis, the BMI measurement must be clinically interpreted based on simple inspection or physical examination of the patient to confirm the presence of excess adiposity.

• #1 Obesity in adults – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/211

  Presentation of obesity may range from asymptomatic to presentation complicated by multiple comorbidities, including cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, gout, obstructive sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. […] The definitive test for obesity remains the body mass index (BMI; obesity is defined as a BMI 30 kg/m). […] Central or abdominal obesity has a stronger association with obesity-related comorbidity than peripheral (i.e., subcutaneous) obesity, so waist circumference may be a better indicator of the risk for obesity-related comorbidity than BMI. […] Obesity can be defined as a chronic condition due to an excess amount of body fat. While there are many methods to determine the relative amount of body fat, the most widely used method to diagnose obesity is the body mass index, defined as weight divided by height squared ([weight in kg]/[height in m]).

• #1 Obesity Tests and Diagnosis | Simple method of diagnosing obesity 

  https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/obesity/diagnosis-tests?page=1

  Obesity Diagnosis […] Tests for Obesity Diagnosis […] The measurement tools mentioned below are used to classify obesity. […] Blood tests for associated risk factors like cholesterols levels and blood sugar levels. […] Liver fat analysis. […] Bone density analysis. […] Body mass index (BMI): It is calculated as a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2). WHO/US criteria label BMI 25-29.9 as overweight and 30 as obese. Indian and Asia-Pacific guidelines lower these thresholds to overweight at BMI 23 and obesity at 25. […] Waist Circumference: As stated by WHO, WC 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women is associated with an increased risk of metabolic complications. This risk is significantly increased with a WC 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women. Asian cut-off is lower with males 90 cm and females 80 cm.

• #1 Obesity Diagnosis – Heckman Healthcare

  https://heckmanhealthcare.com/medical_health_issue/obesity-diagnosis/

  BMI is just one indicator of potential health risks associated with being overweight or obese. […] For assessing someones likelihood of developing overweight- or obesity-related diseases, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines recommend looking at two other predictors: […] The individuals waist circumference (because abdominal fat is a predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases). […] Other risk factors the individual has for diseases and conditions associated with obesity (for example, high blood pressure or physical inactivity).

• #1 Obesity Tests and Diagnosis | Simple method of diagnosing obesity 

  https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/obesity/diagnosis-tests?page=3

  Hip circumference (HC): […] Hip circumference is measured at the level of the widest circumference over the greater trochanters. This is done using a flexible narrow non-stretch tape. For measuring this circumference, the subject must be measured in a standing position at the end of a gentle expiration. […] Waist-hip ratio (WHR): […] The WHR is a straightforward indicator of central obesity. The WHO classifies abdominal obesity in men as having a waist-to-hip ratio of at least 0.90. For women, the ratio is 0.85 or higher. A ratio greater than 1.0 for either sex indicates a significantly increased risk of health complications. […] Wrist circumference (WrC): […] WrC is thought to be a distinct fat distribution indication. WrC with a cut-off of the 97th percentile is a good technique for identifying metabolic syndrome in overweight children and adolescents.

• #1 Tools for Diagnosing Obesity | Rethink Obesity®

  https://www.rethinkobesity.com/diagnosing-obesity.html

  Nearly half of people with obesity had not received a formal diagnosis. Obesity remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Only 55% of people with obesity reported receiving a formal diagnosis, and even fewer received follow-up obesity care. […] Diagnose your patients with obesity using the following protocols recommended by AACE/ACE: Medical history, Physical examination, Clinical laboratory, Review of systems, emphasizing obesity-related complications, Obesity history. […] Confirm elevated BMI represents excess adiposity. Measure waist circumference to evaluate cardiometabolic disease risk. […] Normal weight: BMI 25 kg/m2. Overweight: BMI 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2. Obesity: BMI 30 kg/m2. Evaluate checklist of obesity-related complications. […] A diagnosis of osteoarthritis. […] Diagnosis confirmed. […] A diagnosis of PCOS.

• #1 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749

  To diagnose obesity, your health care professional may perform a physical exam and recommend some tests. […] Your health care team may review your weight history, weight-loss efforts, physical activity and exercise habits. […] Your health care professional checks your body mass index, called BMI. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obesity. […] The distance around your waist is known as the circumference. […] If you have known health problems, your health care team will evaluate them. […] Gathering this information will help you and your health care team choose the type of treatment that will work best for you.

• #1 Obesity Workup: Approach Considerations, Evaluation of Degree of Fat

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-workup

  Standard laboratory studies in the evaluation of obesity should include the following: Fasting lipid panel, Liver function studies, Thyroid function tests, Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). […] All patients with obesity should be screened for diabetes. Additional information is gained by using glucose and HbA1c tests together if the patient is fasting. […] BMI calculation, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio are the common measures of the degree of body fat used in routine clinical practice. […] The current standard methods for measuring visceral fat volume are abdominal computed tomography (CT) scanning (at L4-L5) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. […] The aforementioned Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission report stated that when available, direct measurement of body fat should be used to confirm excess adiposity, or that it be determined using BMI and at least one anthropometric criterion, such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist-to-height ratio.

• #1 Diagnosing Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome | Froedtert & MCW

  https://www.froedtert.com/weight-loss/diagnostics

  While many people have a genetic predisposition to obesity, the multidisciplinary team may also identify other (secondary) causes and monitor for complications. […] Secondary causes of obesity include: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome/Cushings disease, Insulinoma, Brain trauma or brain tumors, Medications (e.g. antipsychotics, glucocorticoids, insulin), Sleep disorders (e.g. sleep apnea), Congenital obesity syndromes (rare), Lipodystrophy syndromes (abnormal deposits of fat tissue), Metabolic Syndrome.

• #1 Obesity in adults – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/211

  Key diagnostic factors include height and weight. […] Other diagnostic factors include waist circumference and comorbid conditions. […] 1st tests to order include clinical exam. […] Tests to consider include CBC, serum aminotransferases, thyroid function tests, ECG, abdominal ultrasound scan, and polysomnography (sleep study).

• #1 Diagnosing Obesity: Beyond BMI | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association

  https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/diagnosing-obesity-beyond-bmi/2010-04

  Regardless of the method used to diagnose obesity, there is overwhelming evidence of an association and, indeed, a causal relationship between obesity and many comorbidities and even mortality. […] An accurate diagnosis of obesity prevents patients at risk due to excess adiposity from being erroneously labeled as normal and avoids labeling patients with no excess fat as overweight or obese. […] Despite the major implications of obesity and the evidence suggesting that diagnosing obesity may encourage weight loss and weight-loss attempts, many individuals with BMI-defined obesity do not receive this diagnosis. […] Several studies have compared using BMI calculations to detect body adiposity with techniques known to accurately measure body composition. […] The diagnosis of central obesity has several limitations.

• #1 Patient Journey Obesity – Diagnosis and Staging | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

  https://www.aace.com/patient-journey/obesity/diagnosis-staging

  Obesity is not about weight itself, but the health threats it causes due to the effects of excess weight or adipose tissue on your body. […] After your initial assessment, your health care professional will diagnose your stage of obesity to determine which treatment options are best for you. […] Obesity staging is a metric that health care professionals use to describe the extent to which your weight affects your overall health. […] Determining your stage of obesity can help guide the discussions you and your health care professional have about your goals and treatment plan. […] Health care professionals also use a more precise metric to explain the impact of obesity on a person’s health. This is known as „obesity staging.” […] To aid in the staging of obesity, your health care professional will classify your obesity as stage 1, 2, or 3 by screening and evaluating you for the presence and severity of different obesity-related complications.

• #1 A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults | Nature Medicine

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03095-3

  The European Association for the Study of Obesity presents a new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults to better align with the concept of obesity as an adiposity-based chronic disease. […] Despite this wide recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, the clinical recommendations that guide the diagnosis of obesity and its management have not been aligned sufficiently with the clinical processes normally adopted for other chronic diseases. In many settings, the diagnosis of obesity is still based solely on body mass index (BMI) cut-off values, and does not reflect the role of adipose tissue distribution and function in the severity of the disease. […] To stimulate the development and implementation of clinical guidelines for obesity that are more aligned with those already in place for other chronic diseases, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) initiated and conducted a consensus process to propose a new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults.

• #1 Patient Journey Obesity – Diagnosis and Staging | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

  https://www.aace.com/patient-journey/obesity/diagnosis-staging

  Please note: All three stages of obesity carry increased risks of developing obesity-related complications, including many types of cancer. […] Obesity staging is a useful tool for you and your health care professional because it accounts for related complications not just your weight or body size. […] Determining your stage of obesity can help guide the discussions you and your health care professional have about your goals and treatment plan. […] If you have complications of obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease, it is important to adopt a comprehensive treatment plan to improve your overall health and well-being. […] In 2017, AACE and the American College of Endocrinology introduced a new diagnostic term for obesity: adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD). […] This term identifies obesity as a chronic disease.

• #1 A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults | Nature Medicine

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03095-3

  The recognition of obesity as a complex chronic non-communicable disease should inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of obesity. […] Based on current clinical evidence, the diagnosis of obesity should not be based solely on the presence of an abnormal and/or excessive fat accumulation (anthropometric component). The diagnosis of obesity should instead include a careful analysis of the present and potential effects that dysfunctional and/or excessive fat accumulation may have on health (clinical component). […] An important novelty of our framework regards the anthropometric component of the diagnosis. The basis for this change is the recognition that BMI alone is insufficient as a diagnostic criterion, and that body fat distribution has a substantial effect on health.

• #1 More about obesity: Definition, symptoms and diagnosis

  https://www.truthaboutweight.global/global/en/what-is-obesity/more-about-obesity-definition-symptoms-and-diagnosis.html

  A physical examination may also be necessary to support a formal diagnosis of obesity. […] Guidelines recommend doctors carry out an Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), which is a measure of the mental, metabolic and physical impact of obesity. […] Lastly, laboratory tests may be administered to identify the underlying signs and symptoms of obesity. […] To understand if you are living with obesity and get professional advice, it is important to talk to your doctor or to an obesity specialist.

• #1 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  Current medical approaches to diagnosing obesity rely on BMI which is not a reliable measure of health or illness at the individual level. This can result in misdiagnosis with negative consequences for people living with obesity and wider society. […] The commission on Clinical Obesity recommends a new, nuanced approach where measures of body fat for example, waist circumference or direct fat measurement in addition to BMI are used to detect obesity, therefore reducing the risk of misclassification. […] Additionally, the authors introduce two new diagnostic categories of obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level; clinical obesity (a chronic disease associated with ongoing organs dysfunction due to obesity alone) and pre-clinical obesity (associated with a variable level of health risk, but no ongoing illness).

• #1 How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment

  https://theconversation.com/how-we-diagnose-and-define-obesity-is-set-to-change-heres-why-and-what-it-means-for-treatment-245164

  Obesity is currently defined using a persons body mass index, or BMI. This is calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in metres). In people of European descent, the BMI for obesity is 30 kg/m and over. […] But the risk to health and wellbeing is not determined by weight and therefore BMI alone. […] As we outline in The Lancet, having a larger body shouldnt mean youre diagnosed with clinical obesity. Such a diagnosis should depend on the level and location of body fat and whether there are associated health problems. […] The commissions definition and new diagnostic criteria shifts the focus from BMI alone. It incorporates other measurements, such as waist circumference, to confirm an excess or unhealthy distribution of body fat. […] We define two categories of obesity based on objective signs and symptoms of poor health due to excess body fat.

• #1 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  People with clinical obesity should receive timely, evidence-based treatment, with the aim to fully regain or improve the body functions reduced by excess body fat, rather than solely to lose weight. […] This nuanced approach to obesity will enable evidence-based and personalized approaches to prevention, management and treatment in adults and children living with obesity, allowing them to receive more appropriate care, proportional to their needs.

• #1 Important Safety Information for Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg

  https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/saxenda/obesity-is-a-disease/are-you-diagnosing-it.html

  In one study, out of those with obesity who sought a doctor’s help, only 55% got a formal diagnosis of obesity. […] Body mass index (BMI), which is a ratio of weight vs height, is an objective measure for diagnosing obesity. […] Along with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference is an important measure for obesity-related health risks in patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m2. […] Remember to record your diagnosis so that patients’ records adequately and accurately reflect the care provided. […] ICD-10 recognizes obesity as a chronic disease. There are more than 35 obesity/BMI codes that you can use to properly diagnose your patients. […] More than 1 in 3 adults have obesity, but 70% go undiagnosed. […] Diagnosed patients tend to be more likely to lose weight. […] Measuring waist circumference, in addition to BMI, helps determine risk of cardiometabolic risk factors.

• #1 Comprehensive Obesity Care: Importance of Diagnosis

  https://medical.lilly.com/us/diseases/disease-education-resources/obesity/obesity/education-resources/comprehensive-obesity-care-diagnosis

  Factors to Consider in Obesity Diagnosis include BMI and other indicators of obesity, such as waist circumference, individual differences in body composition, associated with age, sex, ethnicity, and physical activity, presence of adiposity-related complications, weight management journey, and individualized goals. […] Early Diagnosis of Obesity May Lead to Improvements in Weight and Other Clinical Outcomes. […] As compared to patients who did not receive an obesity diagnosis, patients who received a formal, documented obesity diagnosis were more likely to have initial weight loss of 5% and initial weight loss of 10%.

• #1 Missed diagnosis—a major barrier to patient access to obesity healthcare in the primary care setting | International Journal of Obesity

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01514-6

  In this retrospective analysis of 200,000 individuals with excess body weight, those receiving a new recorded diagnosis of OW/OB were 18% more likely to be referred for screening tests for obesity-related metabolic complications, and almost twice as likely to be offered weight loss intervention and follow up compared to individuals who did not receive a recorded diagnosis. […] To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to show an association between the recording of OW/OB diagnosis and higher performance rates of clinical assessment of OW/OB- associated comorbidities. […] This has been demonstrated in other chronic diseases. […] Our study presents a strong association between the recording of OW/OB diagnosis and the offering of clinical screening and especially management for people with OW/OB in the primary care setting.

• #1 Redefining Evaluation of Adiposity and Leanness: Broadening Objective Diagnostics for Obesity (REAL BODY) | FNIH

  https://fnih.org/our-programs/redefining-evaluation-of-adiposity-and-leanness-broadening-objective-diagnostics-for-obesity-real-body/

  Obesity is characterized by excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat and is a significant contributor to chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. […] Current medical research and practice rely heavily on total body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate obesity. […] The Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology Global Commission has highlighted the need for solutions that go beyond BMI to address the heterogeneity of obesity. […] Similarly, the FDAs Draft Guidance on Developing Drugs and Biological Products for Weight Reduction underscores the importance of monitoring body composition in clinical trials recognizing that BMI and weight loss alone are insufficient metrics for evaluating the success of obesity treatments. […] Currently, advanced imaging methods like DXA and MRI are considered the gold standards for accurately measuring body composition of total fat mass, fat-free mass, and visceral fat.

• #1 Diagnosing Obesity: Beyond BMI | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association

  https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/diagnosing-obesity-beyond-bmi/2010-04

  Despite the fact that the word obesity is defined as excessive adiposity, there has never been a formal attempt to diagnose obesity in clinical practice based on direct or indirect measurements of body fat; there is no consensus on what percent of body fat is normal and what percent is abnormal. […] A diagnosis of obesity might be the first step toward initiating behavioral changes leading to weight loss. BMI is the most widely used method of diagnosing obesity, and it is effective, but it is also important to identify subjects with central obesity or increased total body fat percentage, particularly among those with normal or mildly elevated BMIs, and to avoid misclassifying people without any obesity-related risk as overweight or obese.

• #1 Diagnosis of Obesity: 2022 Update of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity

  https://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes23031

  The prevalence of obesity has consistently increased worldwide, and many obesity-related diseases are emerging as major health problems. Body mass index (BMI) is used to define obesity and is highly correlated with body fat mass. Moreover, obesity-related morbidities increase linearly with the increase in BMI. The Korean Society for the Study of Obesity defined overweight as a BMI 23 kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI 25 kg/m2, based on a significant increase in obesity-related diseases. A waist circumference of 90 cm in men and 85 cm in women are defined as abdominal obesity, which is also correlated with obesity-related diseases. […] The diagnosis of obesity is important because it serves as a criterion for starting treatment. […] The KSSO defined overweight as a BMI 23 kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI 25 kg/m2 based on a significant increase in obesity-related diseases. The diagnostic criteria for obesity are the same as those in the previous version, but the new guidelines further highlight the use of morbidity as the basis for diagnosis of obesity. The KSSO uses comorbidity, not mortality, as the diagnostic criterion for obesity.

• #1 Global Experts Call for Overhaul in Obesity Diagnosis Framework

  https://www.ajmc.com/view/global-experts-call-for-overhaul-in-obesity-diagnosis-framework

  The new framework proposes assessing body fat distribution and organ health, moving beyond BMI for obesity diagnosis. […] A newly proposed framework could transform how obesity is diagnosed, moving beyond body mass index (BMI) to assess body fat distribution and organ health, according to a Commission published in The Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology. […] The Commission recommends using additional measures like waist circumference and direct body fat assessment to complement BMI and reduce diagnostic errors. […] Current approaches to diagnosing obesity really heavily on BMI and have faced growing criticism for a number of reasons. […] Critics argue that BMI-based definitions of obesity risk overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary treatments and escalating health care costs, and many individuals with high BMI do not exhibit signs of illness, underscoring the heterogeneity of obesity.

• #1 Beyond BMI: Rethinking obesity diagnosis | Open Access Government

  https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis-rethinks-the-use-of-bmi/187650/

  A recent report by The Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology Commission calls for a shift in obesity diagnosis, proposing a more comprehensive and clinically relevant approach. For decades, Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the go-to metric for diagnosing obesity. However, BMI is a blunt tool that doesnt distinguish between fat and muscle, fails to consider fat distribution, and overlooks critical signs of health or illness. This has led to widespread under- and over-diagnosis of obesity, misinforming patients and leaving many at risk. […] To address these limitations, the Commission introduces two new categories: Preclinical obesity, defined as excess body fat without ongoing illness, and Clinical obesity, a chronic condition where excess fat impairs organ function or daily activities. […] Health professionals are encouraged to shift focus from BMI to a three-step diagnostic approach: Confirm excess fat, assess health impact, and establish the root cause. […] This new approach marks a shift from treating obesity as a one-dimensional condition to addressing it as a spectrum of health risks and illnesses. By embracing this model, healthcare professionals can provide more precise, effective, and compassionate care, ensuring better outcomes for patients.

• #1 Redefining Evaluation of Adiposity and Leanness: Broadening Objective Diagnostics for Obesity (REAL BODY) | FNIH

  https://fnih.org/our-programs/redefining-evaluation-of-adiposity-and-leanness-broadening-objective-diagnostics-for-obesity-real-body/

  This prospective study addresses the need for accessible, accurate body composition measurement by validating the BUILDING BRIDGES TO BREAKTHROUGHS performance of modern BIA and 3DO systems against DXA and MRI. […] By generating robust data on their performance, this project hopes to establish scalable and affordable tools for accurately measuring total fat mass, fat-free mass, and visceral fat. […] These tools will enable healthcare providers to identify patients for treatment and to monitor patients treatment. […] Ultimately, this work will advance clinical practice, improve patient care, and lay the foundation for future obesity treatment research. […] REAL BODY is an 18-month collaborative effort designed to advance the development of a diagnostic body composition biomarker to support the following: Aim 1: To determine if body composition measurements of total fat mass and total fat-free mass from BIA and 3D optical systems are valid and reliable alternates for DXA as the reference method.

• #1 How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment

  https://theconversation.com/how-we-diagnose-and-define-obesity-is-set-to-change-heres-why-and-what-it-means-for-treatment-245164

  A person with clinical obesity has signs and symptoms of ongoing organ dysfunction and/or difficulty with day-to-day activities of daily living (such as bathing, going to the toilet or dressing). […] There are 18 diagnostic criteria for clinical obesity in adults and 13 in children and adolescents. […] Clinical obesity is a disease requiring access to effective health care. […] For those with clinical obesity, the focus of health care should be on improving the health problems caused by obesity. […] These new criteria for the diagnosis of clinical obesity will need to be adopted into national and international clinical practice guidelines and a range of obesity strategies.

• #1 Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/2/169

  Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic with far-reaching health complications, including its role as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). […] This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and pathophysiology of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of identifying key biomarkers that facilitate the early detection of ORG. […] Given the rising prevalence of obesity and its well-established role in the development of CKD, this narrative review aims to explore the intricate relationship between obesity and kidney disease, with a focus on elucidating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic strategies to address the growing burden of obesity-related established kidney disease. Additionally, we underscore the importance of identifying key biomarkers for the early detection of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) and its timely management.

• #1 Activating Obesity Diagnosis | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

  https://pro.aace.com/education-and-event/product/activating-obesity-diagnosis

  Obesity is one of the most prevalent non-communicable chronic diseases in the world. […] Despite its prevalence and effects on health, obesity remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, and few clinicians have the confidence or training to manage obesity effectively in their patients, indicating a significant need for education. […] The increasing prevalence of obesity and its related complications and comorbidities make competencies in obesity management essential for health care professionals. […] Yet, many health care professionals lack knowledge and understanding of obesity treatment guidelines and, are not aware of barriers or how to address them to improve the effective management of obesity. […] Furthermore, many clinicians may find it challenging to start weight-related conversations with their patients.

• #1 Diagnosis of Obesity – STRIVE Obesity

  https://strive-obesity.com/clinical-toolkit/diagnosis/

  Although obesity is still defined based on body mass index (BMI), that marker is imperfect at best. In 2023, the American Medical Association released a statement noting “numerous concerns” with the way BMI is used to measure body fat and diagnose obesity. […] A study published in 2019 redefined BMI’s threshold by sex and race/ethnicity based on association with metabolic disease, thereby linking the definition of obesity to future prediction of medical morbidity and mortality. […] In its statement, the AMA recommended that clinicians use a variety of factors in addition to BMI to determine obesity: visceral fat, body adiposity index, body composition, relative fat mass, waist circumference, and genetic and metabolic factors. […] However, the guidelines also note that BMI does not indicate the degree to which the weight may be affecting the health of individuals. Thus, clinicians must consider a patient’s individual risk and presence of obesity-related complications when determining if any treatment is necessary. […] When assessing a patient with obesity, clinicians should ask about weight gain and loss history, dietary habits, physical activity, family history of obesity, and other medical conditions or medications that may affect weight.

• #1

  https://www.healio.com/clinical-guidance/obesity/approach-to-patients-with-obesity-diagnosis

  Estimation of body fat percentage is a useful step during risk assessment. […] Basic laboratory evaluation should include examination for obesity-related conditions. […] Upon completion of the basic medical assessment, additional medical problems may be unmasked. […] The patients risk status should be assessed by determining the degree of overweight or obesity based on BMI, the presence of abdominal obesity based on waist circumference and the presence of concomitant CVD risk factors or comorbidities. […] Before initiating a treatment plan, it is important to determine whether a patient is ready to make the necessary changes, as not all patients are ready to lose weight. […] Patients often have unrealistic expectations about how much weight they would like to lose. […] The treatment of obesity should be based upon the degree of adiposity and the prevalence and risks of weight-related comorbidities. […] Effective management requires sufficient time and frequent monitoring in order to keep the patient motivated and provide accountability.

• #1

• #2 Obesity: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

  https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity

  Obesity is a long-term (chronic) health condition that progresses over time. Obesity is defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that may impair health. […] Doctors typically use it as a screening tool for obesity. […] In adults, obesity is often defined as having a BMI of 30 or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). […] A doctor may diagnose obesity based on the following factors: excess amounts of abdominal (visceral) fat that are higher than the amounts of body fat in other areas, a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, a BMI over 30. […] For a doctor to diagnose obesity in a child over 2 years old or a teen, their BMI has to be at or above the 95th percentile. […] BMI provides a rough calculation of a persons weight in relation to their height.

• #2 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749

  To diagnose obesity, your health care professional may perform a physical exam and recommend some tests. […] Your health care team may review your weight history, weight-loss efforts, physical activity and exercise habits. […] Your health care professional checks your body mass index, called BMI. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obesity. […] The distance around your waist is known as the circumference. […] If you have known health problems, your health care team will evaluate them. […] Gathering this information will help you and your health care team choose the type of treatment that will work best for you.

• #2 Obesity – Nutritional Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/obesity-and-the-metabolic-syndrome/obesity

  Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial, relapsing disorder characterized by excess body weight and defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2. […] Diagnosis is based on BMI. […] In adults, BMI, defined as weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m2), is used to screen for overweight or obesity: Overweight = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, Class I obesity = 30 to 34.9 kg/m2, Class II obesity = 35 to 39.9 kg/m2, Class III obesity = 40 kg/m2. […] BMI is a commonly used tool that can be easily calculated and correlates with metabolic and fat mass disease in human population studies. However, BMI is a crude screening tool and has limitations in many subpopulations. […] Waist circumference and the presence of metabolic syndrome appear to predict risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications better than BMI does. […] Body composition analysis is also considered when obesity is diagnosed. […] Patients with obesity should be screened for common comorbid disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, steatotic liver disease, and depression.

• #2 More about obesity: Definition, symptoms and diagnosis

  https://www.truthaboutweight.global/global/en/what-is-obesity/more-about-obesity-definition-symptoms-and-diagnosis.html

  Obesity is defined by medical professionals as a complex and progressive disease where excess or abnormal body fat causes and increases the risk of long-term health complications. […] The most common way to classify obesity is by using the Body Mass Index (BMI) – a measure calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. […] While BMI does not qualify an obesity diagnosis, a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, and anyone with a BMI of 30 or above should consult their doctor for support. […] An obesity diagnosis may be an important step in treating and managing obesity the condition. […] Diagnosing obesity usually involves an assessment of lifestyle, medical and family history, a physical examination and/or laboratory tests.

• #2

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/diagnosis/

  Body mass index (BMI) is widely used as a simple and reliable way of finding out whether a person is a healthy weight for their height. […] For most adults, having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered to be obese. […] While BMI is a useful measurement for most people, it’s not accurate for everyone. […] In such cases, your waist circumference may be a better guide. […] If you’re living with overweight or obesity, visit your GP for advice about losing weight safely and to find out whether you have an increased risk of health problems. […] As well as calculating your BMI, your GP may also carry out tests to determine whether you’re at increased risk of developing health complications because of your weight. […] People with very large waists generally, 94cm or more in men and 80cm or more in women are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems. […] Your GP may also take your ethnicity into account because it can affect your risk of developing certain conditions.

• #2 Obesity Tests and Diagnosis | Simple method of diagnosing obesity 

  https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/obesity/diagnosis-tests?page=3

  Neck circumference (NC): […] Neck circumference can be used as an initial screening technique for overweight/obesity. Men with an NC of 34.75 cm and women with an NC of 31.75 cm are considered overweight, whilst men with. The optimum cut-off values for obesity were NC 35.5 cm in males and NC 32.5 cm in women. […] Body fat percentage (Body composition analysis): […] Body fat percentage of more than 25% in men and more than 30% in women are considered obese according to the endocrine society of India.

• #2

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-024-00580-1

  This review aims to discuss strengths and limitations of body mass index (BMI) in diagnosing obesity, the use of alternative anthropometric measurements, and potential new technology that may change the future of obesity diagnosis and management. […] The diagnosis of obesity requires the anthropometric assessment of adiposity. In clinical settings, this should include BMI with confirmation that elevated BMI represents excess adiposity and a measure of fat distribution (i.e., waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), or WC divided by height0.5 (WHR.5R). […] As anthropometric measures used in the diagnosis of obesity, BMI is generally sufficient if confirmed to represent excess adiposity, and there are advantages to the use of WHtR over WC to assess fat distribution. […] BMI is widely used in epidemiological research, as well as clinical settings. BMI is deeply embedded world-wide in research and clinical practice. It is used to make the diagnosis of obesity, as an indication for weight loss medications and bariatric surgery, and in guidelines for obesity management.

• #2 Diagnosis of Obesity

  https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/assistance/diseases/obesity/diagnosis

  The diagnosis of obesity is based on the physical examination and medical history of the patient. Of particular relevance will be the calculation of the BMI to confirm that it is greater than 30 kg/m2, in order to determine the severity of the obesity. This information helps establish the treatment goals and to determine if there are any health problems or risk factors. […] It is essential to record the weight and height in order to calculate the BMI, and to measure the waist circumference and the blood pressure levels. […] The blood tests consist of measuring fasting glucose levels, and cholesterol, as well as liver, kidney, and thyroid function, among others.

• #2 Obesity Diagnostics

  https://www.rethinkobesity.global/global/en/resources/editorial-board-corner/obesity-diagnostics.html

  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. In contrast to the view that obesity only represents a risk factor for diseases, the World Obesity Federation declared obesity itself as a chronic relapsing progressive disease. In current guidelines, diagnosis of obesity and treatment decisions are based on a body mass index (BMI) 30kg/m, despite the inability of BMI to accurately predict cardiometabolic risk or to define total and central abdominal fat mass. At any given BMI, the variation in comorbidities and health risk factors is remarkably high. Health care professionals initially ask people with obesity about root causes and lifestyle factors that may have led to development of unhealthy body weight and there will be a physical examination including measurements and blood tests. BMI should be checked at least once a year to determine overall health risks, define treatment goals and inform strategies for weight loss. Blood tests should be performed at the first visit to check for endocrine disorders that may cause obesity including hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism. In addition, blood tests are required to diagnose other obesity-related diseases or risk factors, therefore parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, chronic inflammatory states as well as kidney and liver function tests should be performed. Careful obesity diagnostics are the most important prerequisite to determine whether and how much weight a person with obesity should lose and what health conditions or risks are already present. Obesity diagnostics should identify individual predominant obesity causes and guide treatment decisions.

• #2 Obesity Workup: Approach Considerations, Evaluation of Degree of Fat

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-workup

  Standard laboratory studies in the evaluation of obesity should include the following: Fasting lipid panel, Liver function studies, Thyroid function tests, Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). […] All patients with obesity should be screened for diabetes. Additional information is gained by using glucose and HbA1c tests together if the patient is fasting. […] BMI calculation, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio are the common measures of the degree of body fat used in routine clinical practice. […] The current standard methods for measuring visceral fat volume are abdominal computed tomography (CT) scanning (at L4-L5) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. […] The aforementioned Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission report stated that when available, direct measurement of body fat should be used to confirm excess adiposity, or that it be determined using BMI and at least one anthropometric criterion, such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist-to-height ratio.

• #2 Patient Journey Obesity – Diagnosis and Staging | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

  https://www.aace.com/patient-journey/obesity/diagnosis-staging

  Obesity is not about weight itself, but the health threats it causes due to the effects of excess weight or adipose tissue on your body. […] After your initial assessment, your health care professional will diagnose your stage of obesity to determine which treatment options are best for you. […] Obesity staging is a metric that health care professionals use to describe the extent to which your weight affects your overall health. […] Determining your stage of obesity can help guide the discussions you and your health care professional have about your goals and treatment plan. […] Health care professionals also use a more precise metric to explain the impact of obesity on a person’s health. This is known as „obesity staging.” […] To aid in the staging of obesity, your health care professional will classify your obesity as stage 1, 2, or 3 by screening and evaluating you for the presence and severity of different obesity-related complications.

• #2 Obesity in adults – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/211

  Presentation of obesity may range from asymptomatic to presentation complicated by multiple comorbidities, including cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, gout, obstructive sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. […] The definitive test for obesity remains the body mass index (BMI; obesity is defined as a BMI 30 kg/m). […] Central or abdominal obesity has a stronger association with obesity-related comorbidity than peripheral (i.e., subcutaneous) obesity, so waist circumference may be a better indicator of the risk for obesity-related comorbidity than BMI. […] Obesity can be defined as a chronic condition due to an excess amount of body fat. While there are many methods to determine the relative amount of body fat, the most widely used method to diagnose obesity is the body mass index, defined as weight divided by height squared ([weight in kg]/[height in m]).

• #2 A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults | Nature Medicine

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03095-3

  The recognition of obesity as a complex chronic non-communicable disease should inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of obesity. […] Based on current clinical evidence, the diagnosis of obesity should not be based solely on the presence of an abnormal and/or excessive fat accumulation (anthropometric component). The diagnosis of obesity should instead include a careful analysis of the present and potential effects that dysfunctional and/or excessive fat accumulation may have on health (clinical component). […] An important novelty of our framework regards the anthropometric component of the diagnosis. The basis for this change is the recognition that BMI alone is insufficient as a diagnostic criterion, and that body fat distribution has a substantial effect on health.

• #2

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-024-00580-1

  The need for both an anthropometric component to the diagnosis of obesity and a clinical component that reflects impact on health is consistent with a complications-centric approach to care in which the treatment and prevention of complications becomes the primary end point of weight loss therapy, not the loss of a given number of kilograms body weight per se. […] The diagnosis of obesity based on BMI per se provides insufficient indication of the impact of excess adiposity on health in individual patients. […] Both anthropometric and clinical components are needed as the basis of a complications-centric approach to care within the conceptual framework of the diagnostic term ABCD.

• #2 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  The commission authors call for all people living with obesity to receive personalised health advice and evidence-based care when needed free of stigma and blame with different strategies for clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity. […] The proposal is designed to address limitations in the traditional definition and diagnosis of obesity that hinder clinical practice and healthcare policies, resulting in individuals with obesity not receiving the care they need. […] While recognizing BMI is useful as a screening tool to identify people who are potentially living with obesity, the authors recommend moving away from detecting obesity based on BMI alone. Instead, they recommend confirmation of excess fat mass (obesity) and its distribution around the body using one of the following methods: at least one measurement of body size (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio or waist-to-height ratio) in addition to BMI.

• #2 How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment

  https://theconversation.com/how-we-diagnose-and-define-obesity-is-set-to-change-heres-why-and-what-it-means-for-treatment-245164

  A person with clinical obesity has signs and symptoms of ongoing organ dysfunction and/or difficulty with day-to-day activities of daily living (such as bathing, going to the toilet or dressing). […] There are 18 diagnostic criteria for clinical obesity in adults and 13 in children and adolescents. […] Clinical obesity is a disease requiring access to effective health care. […] For those with clinical obesity, the focus of health care should be on improving the health problems caused by obesity. […] These new criteria for the diagnosis of clinical obesity will need to be adopted into national and international clinical practice guidelines and a range of obesity strategies.

• #2

  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis

  The Commissions reframing of obesity is designed to ensure that all people living with obesity receive appropriate health advice and evidence-based care when needed, with different strategies for clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity. […] This nuanced approach to obesity will enable evidence-based and personalised approaches to prevention, management and treatment in adults and children living with obesity, allowing them to receive more appropriate care, proportional to their needs.

• #2 How Obesity is Diagnosed

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-obesity-is-diagnosed-4690037

  Diagnosing obesity involves much more than simply stepping onto a scale. In fact, a thorough evaluation of a person’s weight status is a complex procedure that involves taking into consideration many factors and the use of various tools and diagnostic tests: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference measurement, physical exams, and lab tests to check for comorbidities. […] The most successful strategy for obesity treatment involves early diagnosis and intervention. Studies have shown that getting a formal diagnosis of obesity is more likely to result in weight loss (compared to those who are never diagnosed). […] The BMI scale is the primary method for diagnosing obesity in adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as having a BMI equal to or greater than 30.

• #2 Missed diagnosis—a major barrier to patient access to obesity healthcare in the primary care setting | International Journal of Obesity

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01514-6

  In this retrospective analysis of 200,000 individuals with excess body weight, those receiving a new recorded diagnosis of OW/OB were 18% more likely to be referred for screening tests for obesity-related metabolic complications, and almost twice as likely to be offered weight loss intervention and follow up compared to individuals who did not receive a recorded diagnosis. […] To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to show an association between the recording of OW/OB diagnosis and higher performance rates of clinical assessment of OW/OB- associated comorbidities. […] This has been demonstrated in other chronic diseases. […] Our study presents a strong association between the recording of OW/OB diagnosis and the offering of clinical screening and especially management for people with OW/OB in the primary care setting.

• #2 Missed diagnosis—a major barrier to patient access to obesity healthcare in the primary care setting | International Journal of Obesity

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01514-6

  To investigate whether individuals with an elevated BMI measurement, for whom a diagnosis of overweight or obesity (OW/OB) is not recorded, are less likely to be offered clinical care for obesity compared to those with a recorded diagnosis. […] In only 18% of individuals, a diagnosis of OW/OB was recorded. […] Beyond BMI measurement, a recorded diagnosis of OW/OB is associated with statistically and clinically significant higher rates of performance of obesity care and intervention. Undiagnosed OW/OB presents a significant clinical opportunity, as recording a diagnosis of OW/OB would predict improved patient access to obesity healthcare and improved clinical outcomes. […] The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the recording of OW/OB diagnosis and the performance of obesity care in the primary care setting, using the electronic medical record database of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS).

• #2 Diagnosing Obesity: Beyond BMI | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association

  https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/diagnosing-obesity-beyond-bmi/2010-04

  Regardless of the method used to diagnose obesity, there is overwhelming evidence of an association and, indeed, a causal relationship between obesity and many comorbidities and even mortality. […] An accurate diagnosis of obesity prevents patients at risk due to excess adiposity from being erroneously labeled as normal and avoids labeling patients with no excess fat as overweight or obese. […] Despite the major implications of obesity and the evidence suggesting that diagnosing obesity may encourage weight loss and weight-loss attempts, many individuals with BMI-defined obesity do not receive this diagnosis. […] Several studies have compared using BMI calculations to detect body adiposity with techniques known to accurately measure body composition. […] The diagnosis of central obesity has several limitations.

• #2 How Obesity is Diagnosed

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-obesity-is-diagnosed-4690037

  Because the risk of developing obesity-related health problems generally increases with BMI, obesity is further classified into three severity levels: Class I (BMI is 30.0 to 34.9), Class II (BMI is 35.0 to 39.9), Class III (BMI is 40 or greater). […] There are many factors to consider as part of a thorough obesity diagnosis other than just a persons weight status. Knowing what to expect and how to ensure an accurate weight evaluation may be the difference between a correct diagnosis leading to early intervention and a misdiagnosis of a persons weight status. […] BMI is not always a completely accurate measurement when it comes to obesity diagnosis. Some individuals, namely athletes who have a large percentage of muscle mass, can throw off the accuracy of the scale. […] Global health experts are proposing a more comprehensive approach to diagnosing obesity one that puts less emphasis on BMI or any single measurement of body size. […] New guidelines published in The Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology in January 2025 recommend multiple methods to confirm excess body fat when diagnosing obesity.

• #2 Redefining Evaluation of Adiposity and Leanness: Broadening Objective Diagnostics for Obesity (REAL BODY) | FNIH

  https://fnih.org/our-programs/redefining-evaluation-of-adiposity-and-leanness-broadening-objective-diagnostics-for-obesity-real-body/

  This prospective study addresses the need for accessible, accurate body composition measurement by validating the BUILDING BRIDGES TO BREAKTHROUGHS performance of modern BIA and 3DO systems against DXA and MRI. […] By generating robust data on their performance, this project hopes to establish scalable and affordable tools for accurately measuring total fat mass, fat-free mass, and visceral fat. […] These tools will enable healthcare providers to identify patients for treatment and to monitor patients treatment. […] Ultimately, this work will advance clinical practice, improve patient care, and lay the foundation for future obesity treatment research. […] REAL BODY is an 18-month collaborative effort designed to advance the development of a diagnostic body composition biomarker to support the following: Aim 1: To determine if body composition measurements of total fat mass and total fat-free mass from BIA and 3D optical systems are valid and reliable alternates for DXA as the reference method.

• #2 Diagnosis of Obesity: 2022 Update of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity

  https://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes23031

  The use of obesity-related comorbidities rather than mortality to define obesity is aimed at preventing obesity-related comorbidities, since their incidence increases linearly with increasing BMI in patients in their 20s to 60s. […] The obesity stage in Korean adults was classified based on an increase in obesity-related comorbidities according to the BMI level. Overweight and obesity were defined as BMI 23 and 25 kg/m2, respectively. […] In Korea, the standard for abdominal obesity in adults is defined as a WC of 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women. […] The discrimination point for diagnosing abdominal obesity varies by race and gender, and the KSSO recommends a diagnosis of abdominal obesity in Korean adults with a WC 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women, considering the risk of morbidity associated with increased WC and the prevalence of abdominal obesity.

• #2 Global Experts Call for Overhaul in Obesity Diagnosis Framework

  https://www.ajmc.com/view/global-experts-call-for-overhaul-in-obesity-diagnosis-framework

  But people with excess body fat do not always have a BMI that indicates they are living with obesity, meaning their health problems can go unnoticed. […] With over a billion people estimated to be living with obesity around the world, this debate has spurred calls for more nuanced diagnostic tools that consider body composition and organ health rather than relying solely on BMI thresholds. […] The Commission introduces 2 new diagnostic categories: clinical obesity, which is characterized by chronic disease with organ dysfunction due to excess fat, and pre-clinical obesity, where organ function remains intact but long-term health risks such as for diabetes and cardiovascular disease are elevated. […] This will help drive more personalized care, where individuals with pre-clinical obesity may benefit from risk-reduction strategies like counseling or lifestyle interventions, while those with clinical obesity require more aggressive management to restore organ function.

• #2 Redefining Evaluation of Adiposity and Leanness: Broadening Objective Diagnostics for Obesity (REAL BODY) | FNIH

  https://fnih.org/our-programs/redefining-evaluation-of-adiposity-and-leanness-broadening-objective-diagnostics-for-obesity-real-body/

  Aim 2: To determine if body composition measurements of visceral fat from BIA and 3D optical systems are valid and reliable alternates for MRI as the reference method. […] Aim 3: To determine if body composition predictions of total fat, fat-free mass, and visceral fat from a blood-based multiomics are a valid alternate for DXA and MRI as reference methods.

• #2 Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/2/169

  Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between obesity and CKD. Kidney impairment due to obesity has been defined as ORG and is increasing in prevalence. […] Regrettably, ORG can go undetected for years due to a lack of overt symptoms, often only becoming apparent once significant kidney dysfunction has developed. While the early detection of kidney dysfunction remains an unmet medical need, it is the key to reducing the burden of disease. […] The accurate assessment of renal function in obese patients is essential for staging kidney disease, monitoring its progression, and adjusting medication dosages. […] The absence of sensitive and specific biomarkers complicates and delays early diagnosis. […] The glomerular filtration rate measures the volume of fluid filtered by the kidney’s glomeruli into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time.

• #2 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  People with clinical obesity should receive timely, evidence-based treatment, with the aim to fully regain or improve the body functions reduced by excess body fat, rather than solely to lose weight. […] This nuanced approach to obesity will enable evidence-based and personalized approaches to prevention, management and treatment in adults and children living with obesity, allowing them to receive more appropriate care, proportional to their needs.

• #2

• #2 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  The commission also provides a new model for disease diagnosis in obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. […] Clinical obesity is defined as a condition of obesity associated with objective signs and/or symptoms of reduced organ function, or significantly reduced ability to conduct standard day-to-day activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating and continence, directly due to excess body fat. […] Pre-Clinical obesity is a condition of obesity with normal organ function. People living with pre-clinical obesity therefore do not have ongoing illness, although they have a variable but generally increased risk of developing clinical obesity and several other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the future. […] The commissions reframing of obesity is designed to ensure that all people living with obesity receive appropriate health advice and evidence-based care when needed, with different strategies for clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.

• #3 Obesity – Nutritional Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/obesity-and-the-metabolic-syndrome/obesity

  Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial, relapsing disorder characterized by excess body weight and defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2. […] Diagnosis is based on BMI. […] In adults, BMI, defined as weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m2), is used to screen for overweight or obesity: Overweight = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, Class I obesity = 30 to 34.9 kg/m2, Class II obesity = 35 to 39.9 kg/m2, Class III obesity = 40 kg/m2. […] BMI is a commonly used tool that can be easily calculated and correlates with metabolic and fat mass disease in human population studies. However, BMI is a crude screening tool and has limitations in many subpopulations. […] Waist circumference and the presence of metabolic syndrome appear to predict risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications better than BMI does. […] Body composition analysis is also considered when obesity is diagnosed. […] Patients with obesity should be screened for common comorbid disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, steatotic liver disease, and depression.

• #3 Overweight and Obesity – Symptoms and Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH

  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/symptoms

  There are no specific symptoms of overweight and obesity. Your healthcare provider may diagnose overweight and obesity based on your medical history and high body mass index (BMI). […] Your BMI is a measure of body fat based on your weight and height. It is important to know that body mass index is a screening tool and does not necessarily diagnose body fatness. […] The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that providers screen for obesity in children beginning at age 6. […] To better understand the health risks that overweight and obesity may pose to a specific person providers can measure the persons distribution of body fat. […] Sometimes other medical conditions or medicines that you take may lead to overweight and obesity. These conditions or medicines may disrupt the delicate balance of hormones that control how we use and store energy. Your provider may order blood tests to rule out one of these conditions.

• #3 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Global Commission Proposes Major Overhaul of Obesity Diagnosis | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

  https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2025/01/15/the-lancet-diabetes-endocrinology-global-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-obesity-diagnosis/

  The commission also provides a new model for disease diagnosis in obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. […] Clinical obesity is defined as a condition of obesity associated with objective signs and/or symptoms of reduced organ function, or significantly reduced ability to conduct standard day-to-day activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating and continence, directly due to excess body fat. […] Pre-Clinical obesity is a condition of obesity with normal organ function. People living with pre-clinical obesity therefore do not have ongoing illness, although they have a variable but generally increased risk of developing clinical obesity and several other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the future. […] The commissions reframing of obesity is designed to ensure that all people living with obesity receive appropriate health advice and evidence-based care when needed, with different strategies for clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.

• #3 Redefining obesity: New diagnosis method

  https://www.wdsu.com/article/redefining-obesity-new-diagnosis-method/63434398

  Global experts propose new obesity diagnosis method beyond BMI. […] A group of global experts is proposing a new way to define and diagnose obesity, reducing the emphasis on the controversial body mass index and hoping to better identify people who need treatment for the disease caused by excess body fat. […] Under recommendations released Tuesday night, obesity would no longer be defined solely by BMI, a calculation of height and weight, but combined with other measurements, such as waist circumference, plus evidence of health problems tied to extra pounds. […] The report introduces two new diagnostic categories: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity. […] People with clinical obesity meet BMI and other markers of obesity and have evidence of organ, tissue or other problems caused by excess weight.

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