Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 15: Medical experts have proposed a comprehensive overhaul in diagnosing obesity, shifting from reliance solely on body mass to include broader health indicators like heart health and daily functionality. This recommendation aims to offer a more personalized diagnosis, factoring in an individual’s organ health and ability to perform everyday tasks. It also has implications for the prescription of weight-loss medications.
A paradigm shift in obesity diagnosis
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission, a global panel of experts, announced the new obesity definition on Tuesday. Endorsed by 76 organizations, including the World Obesity Federation, the American Heart Association, and Britain’s Royal College of Physicians, this change marks a significant departure from traditional approaches.
Robert Eckel, emeritus professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and a commission member, emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of obesity. The commonly used body mass index (BMI) has faced criticism for its inability to differentiate between fat and muscle mass or to reflect overall health and fitness. Under the current system, a BMI of 30 or higher classifies a person as obese, regardless of other health factors.
Broader health indicators
The commission advocates for incorporating measurements like waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio alongside evaluations of organ function, such as heart and lung performance. Francesco Rubino, the commission chair from King’s College London, highlighted that BMI lacks information about organ health, which is crucial for understanding obesity’s impact.
Patients will now be classified as clinically obese only if additional tests reveal organ dysfunction or limitations in daily activities. Those without such complications will fall under a new category termed "pre-clinical obesity."
Implications for treatment and big pharma
This redefinition is poised to reshape clinical guidelines and healthcare worker training globally. It offers a framework for tailoring treatment to individual needs, potentially limiting the use of weight-loss drugs to those with confirmed clinical obesity. Currently, drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound are approved in the U.S. for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with weight-related conditions. The new guidelines could exclude some patients from these treatments, redirecting them to monitoring and lifestyle adjustments instead.
A focus on comprehensive health
This shift also reflects a growing recognition of obesity as a multifaceted condition requiring medical intervention. Drugmakers are responding by developing therapies that prioritize body composition, such as preserving muscle mass while reducing fat.
The new benchmark seeks to enhance diagnostic precision and ensure more effective, individualized care for those affected by obesity.