This matters for everyday life. Waist and fat distribution relate to how organs and metabolism work, so people with similar weights can have very different health trajectories. Updating how we classify obesity could affect who gets access to screening, counseling, workplace accommodations, and community programs designed to support long-term wellbeing.
If classification shifts to reflect where fat is stored, policy and care will have to follow. That could mean new screening tools in clinics, different public-health priorities, and clearer guidance for individuals trying to protect their health. Read the full article to see how these findings might reshape approaches to prevention and inclusion, and what that could mean for efforts to expand opportunities for healthy aging and participation for everyone.
A major update to how obesity is defined could push U.S. obesity rates to nearly 70%, according to a large new study. The change comes from adding waist and body fat measurements to BMI, capturing people who were previously considered healthy. Many of these newly included individuals face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease. The findings suggest that where fat is stored may be just as important as overall weight.
