A groundbreaking study by Indian doctors has completely reimagined how obesity is defined for the Indian population. Instead of relying solely on Body Mass Index, the new guidelines now emphasize abdominal fat and associated health risks. The research introduces a two-stage classification system that considers not just weight, but also potential comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular issues. This approach represents a significant advancement in understanding and addressing obesity's complex health implications for Asian Indians.
"A distinct definition of obesity for Indians is
crucial for the early detection of related diseases" - Dr. Naval Vikram,
AIIMS
A
team of Indian doctors, including from All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), Delhi, has in a new study published on Wednesday, redefined obesity
for the Indian population.
Key Points
1. Two-stage classification system addressing
obesity uniquely for Indian population
2. Abdominal fat and comorbidities now key
diagnostic factors
3. BMI criteria expanded beyond traditional weight
measurements
4. Integrated approach considering health impacts
and mechanical problems
Traditionally Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to define
obesity, but the new approach, published in a study in the Lancet Diabetes and
Endocrinology focuses on abdominal obesity, comorbid diseases.
This new classification, which comes 15 years after
the last definition, marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique
health challenges posed by obesity in Asian Indians.
The need for updated obesity guidelines stemmed from
several critical factors such as the outdated BMI criteria, which relied
exclusively on Body Mass Index (BMI, a ratio of weight in kg/height in meter
square) for diagnosis; as well as emerging Health Data that showed a
correlation between abdominal obesity in Asian Indians and the early onset of
comorbid diseases.
According to the study, abdominal fat -- closely
linked to insulin resistance and prevalent in Asian Indians -- is now a key
factor in the diagnosis. The new definition also integrates the presence of
comorbidities -- such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease -- into the
diagnostic process, ensuring that obesity-related health risks are better
accounted for, and taken care of in management.
It also includes mechanical problems associated with
obesity such as knee and hip osteoarthritis etc, or shortness of breath during
daily activities, which produce a poor quality of life.
"A distinct definition of obesity for Indians is
crucial for the early detection of related diseases and the development of
targeted management strategies. This study fills critical gaps in our
understanding and offers a clear, rational approach to tackling obesity in the
Indian population," said Dr. Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine, at
AIIMS, New Delhi.
"Obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming
pace, extending beyond urban areas. These guidelines are groundbreaking and
easy to implement, providing stage-specific strategies for managing
obesity-related conditions across India. These also allow application of weight
loss therapies to be applied early and optimally," added Dr. Anoop Misra,
Executive Chairman & Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis C-DOC
Hospital.
The revised guidelines introduce a two-stage
classification system, addressing both generalised and abdominal obesity.
Stage 1 includes increased adiposity (BMI more than 23
kg/m²) without apparent effects on organ functions or routine daily activities.
While this stage may not cause any pathological problems, it can progress to
Stage 2, leading to other comorbidities.
Stage 2 is an advanced state of obesity with an increased BMI of more than 23 kg/2, and abdominal adiposity with excess waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (W-HtR). It includes impact on physical and organ functions -- knee arthritis due to excess weight, or presence of type 2 diabetes.
The study called for tailored weight reduction
strategies, based on the above classification, to tackle obesity.
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