Nearly 70% of U.S. Adults Could Be Classified as Obese Under New Definition
A major update to how obesity is defined could reshape public health in the United States. Researchers say nearly 70% of U.S. adults may now meet the criteria. The change comes from a broader approach to measuring body fat. Instead of relying only on weight, experts now consider where fat is stored. For decades, doctors have used body mass index to define obesity. However, BMI only compares height and weight. It does not show how fat is distributed. In contrast, measures like waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio reveal abdominal fat. This type of fat links strongly to diabetes and heart disease.
How the New Obesity Definition Works
Under the updated framework, obesity includes two main groups. People with high BMI plus high waist measures fall into one category. In addition, people with normal BMI can still qualify. They must show multiple elevated body fat measurements. This group was often missed before.
Study Data Show a Sharp Increase
Researchers analyzed data from more than 300,000 adults in a national health program. Using the new definition, 68.6% met obesity criteria. Under BMI alone, only 42.9% did. Older adults showed the biggest increase. Nearly 80% of people over age 70 met the updated definition.
Health Risks Rise for Newly Identified Groups
The study found higher risks among people newly classified as obese. These risks included diabetes, heart disease, and early death. As a result, researchers say fat location matters as much as body weight. Many people previously seen as healthy may still face danger. Experts say these findings could change treatment priorities. Doctors may need to focus more on body composition, not just weight. Further research will explore which therapies work best. Ultimately, this approach aims to reduce long-term health risks for more people.
