Moving beyond BMI
Obesity redefined for Indian realities
India has taken a transformative step by redefining obesity with guidelines tailored to its population’s unique health challenges. The updated definition prioritises abdominal fat, which has stronger links to metabolic disorders among Indians. For decades, Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the go-to metric for diagnosing obesity. However, its limitations—such as failing to account for body composition—render it inadequate for Indians, whose genetic predispositions differ significantly from western populations. The new guidelines, introduced after 15 years, are a much-needed overhaul. Conditions like fatty liver disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which disproportionately affect Indians, underscore the need for this shift. A two-stage classification has been introduced: “pre-clinical” obesity, indicating increased health risks without symptoms, and “clinical” obesity, where excess fat compromises organ functions.
A clear, evidence-based definition is especially critical in combating misinformation on social media. Youngsters often fall prey to trends that prioritise appearance over health, engaging in extreme dieting or relying on dubious products. These behaviours, driven by the pursuit of social validation, carry significant physical and mental health risks. The updated norms can guide individuals toward safe, science-backed interventions, promoting sustainable health over fleeting aesthetics. The new approach, informed by research from the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation and The Lancet Commission, emphasises metrics like waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. This can aid healthcare providers in better identifying individuals at risk, ensuring personalised care.
By advocating a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, medical therapies and surgical options, the recommendations aim to curb the growing obesity epidemic. The redefinition of obesity is a much-needed recalibration, not only of diagnostic methods but also of cultural attitudes towards health. The onus is now on policymakers, healthcare professionals and citizens to embrace these changes and take a decisive step toward healthier futures