Impact of New Obesity Criteria on Global Prevalence Estimates

A recent multinational study has examined how proposed changes to the definition of obesity could significantly alter prevalence rates worldwide. The new criteria suggest incorporating health factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol alongside traditional measurements like height and weight. Researchers from Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Queensland, Zhejiang University, and universities in Peru analyzed data from 56 countries to compare the existing BMI-based obesity rates with those under the new health-factor-inclusive criteria.

The findings revealed that adopting the new standards would lead to a substantial decrease in obesity prevalence globally. In some nations, particularly among women, prevalence could drop by over 50%. For example, Malawi experienced a 68% decrease among men and 53% among women when using the new definition. While this approach might better align with actual health risks, the study's authors caution against hastily adopting the revised standards.

The main concern is that the stricter criteria could hinder early detection and prevention efforts. The artificial decline in obesity rates might give a false sense of security, potentially delaying intervention in individuals at risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Lead researcher Dr. Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco emphasizes that even individuals not classified as obese under the new criteria should continue preventive health measures.

Overall, the study highlights the complexity of obesity assessment and the importance of balancing accurate health risk evaluation with practical measurement methods. The researchers advocate for cautious consideration before implementing the new standards in epidemiological surveillance and clinical practice.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-obesity-prevalence-shift-significantly-criteria.html