New obesity definition ups U.S. adult rate to 70%
New obesity definition nearly doubles U.S. adult obesity rate to 70%, revealing higher health risks.
Why it matters
- Obesity rates in the U.S. have been underestimated by relying solely on BMI.
- The new definition includes body fat distribution, which is linked to higher health risks.
- Nearly 70% of U.S. adults now fall under the obesity category, highlighting a significant public health issue.
By the numbers
- Obesity prevalence increases from 42.9% to 68.6% under the new definition.
- Study involved over 300,000 people.
- Nearly 80% of adults over 70 are affected.
The big picture
- The new definition includes anthropometric measures like waist circumference, which better captures body fat distribution.
- Individuals now classified as obese but not before have higher risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.
- This could change how obesity is treated and managed.
What they're saying
- Some commenters question if this is a real increase or just a redefinition.
- Others highlight societal factors like sedentary lifestyles and poor food choices.
- There's mention of "skinny-fat" individuals who have normal BMI but high body fat.
Caveats
- The study is based on a new definition, so it's not necessarily an increase in obesity rates but a reclassification.
- Further studies are needed to understand the causes and optimal treatments for anthropometric-only obesity.
What’s next
- More research is needed to understand the implications of this new definition.
- The study team plans to explore different treatment strategies for the newly defined obese population.