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In a significant development, Indian researchers have updated the country’s obesity classification criteria, introducing new waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio benchmarks to better assess obesity-related health risks. This move comes as part of a shift away from relying solely on Body Mass Index (BMI), which has been the traditional measure for obesity.
The new guidelines, outlined in a recent study published in Elsevier, were led by experts from the National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation, Fortis CDOC Hospital, and AIIMS Delhi. According to the study, individuals may be classified as obese even if their BMI falls within the normal range, provided their waist measurements exceed certain thresholds.
For women, abdominal obesity is now identified by a waist circumference of 80 cm, while for men, the threshold is 90 cm. Furthermore, a waist-to-height ratio above 0.5 is also considered indicative of obesity. These updated standards aim to more accurately reflect the risks associated with abdominal obesity, which is linked to several serious health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The new criteria replace the outdated 2009 BMI-based guidelines, offering a more specific approach to identifying obesity, especially in the Indian context. With increasing concerns over the rising obesity rates in the country, this updated methodology is expected to enhance early detection and intervention, potentially saving lives.
These changes represent an important step in addressing India’s growing health challenges, as the country continues to grapple with the health implications of abdominal obesity. Experts believe this shift will lead to more effective public health strategies aimed at reducing the impact of obesity-related diseases in India.
For more information on the study, visit The Economic Times.
