New Definition of Obesity Increases Prevalence
A recent study published online found that the implementation of a new definition of obesity significantly increases its prevalence.
According to the new criteria proposed by the Lancet Commission, the prevalence of obesity rose from 42.9% to 68.6%.
Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) above the traditional threshold plus at least one elevated anthropometric measure or BMI greater than 40 (BMI-plus-anthropometric obesity) or BMI below the traditional obesity threshold with at least two elevated anthropometric measures (anthropometric-only obesity).
- The study examined 301,026 individuals.
- 68.6 percent had obesity according to the new definition.
- The traditional definition reported 42.9 percent obesity prevalence.
Author's summary: New obesity definition increases prevalence to 68.6%.