New Obesity Definition for Indians Highlights Abdominal Fat and Related Health Risks

New Delhi: A team of Indian doctors, including experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, has introduced a new definition of obesity tailored specifically for the Indian population. Published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology on Wednesday, the study shifts the focus from traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) to abdominal obesity and associated comorbidities, addressing the unique health challenges faced by Asian Indians.

The previous obesity guidelines, established 15 years ago, relied solely on BMI—a ratio of weight to height (kg/m²)—for diagnosis. However, emerging health data has highlighted the limitations of BMI, particularly for Asian Indians. The updated guidelines emphasize abdominal fat as a critical factor due to its strong link with insulin resistance and an increased risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

This new definition also incorporates the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and mechanical issues like knee or hip osteoarthritis and shortness of breath during daily activities. These health concerns often lead to a lower quality of life and are prevalent among individuals with obesity in India.

"A distinct definition of obesity for Indians is crucial for early detection of related diseases and for developing targeted management strategies," said Dr. Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS. "This study fills critical gaps in understanding and offers a clear approach to tackling obesity in India."

Dr. Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman and Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis C-DOC Hospital, emphasized the urgency of these guidelines. "Obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace, even in rural areas. These groundbreaking guidelines are practical and stage-specific, enabling the early application of weight loss therapies and management strategies."

The new guidelines introduce a two-stage classification system for obesity:

• Stage 1: Increased adiposity (BMI >23 kg/m²) without significant impact on organ functions or daily activities. Although this stage may not cause immediate pathological problems, it carries the potential to progress to more severe health issues.
• Stage 2: Advanced obesity characterized by a BMI >23 kg/m² combined with abdominal adiposity (elevated waist circumference or waist-to-height ratio). This stage includes comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and mechanical complications like knee arthritis due to excess weight.

The study underscores the need for personalized weight reduction strategies based on this classification system. These strategies aim to address obesity more effectively, ensuring early interventions and optimized treatments.

As obesity rates in India continue to climb, these updated guidelines represent a critical step in addressing the growing health burden and improving the overall quality of life for affected individuals.