Doctors redefine obesity for India population; focus on abdominal fat as key factor for diagnosis

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 populationTraditionally 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 diseasesThis 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by obesity in Asian IndiansThe need for updated obesity guidelines stemmed from several critical factors such as the outdated BMI criteria which relied exclusively on Body Mass Index BMI a ratio of weight in kgheight in meter square for diagnosis as well as emerging Health Data that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 diseasesAccording 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 obesityrelated health risks are better accounted for and taken care of in managementIt 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 lifeA 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 DelhiObesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace extending beyond urban areas These guidelines are groundbreaking and easy to implement providing stagespecific strategies for managing obesityrelated conditions across India These also allow application of weight loss therapies to be applied early and optimally added Dr Anoop Misra Executive Chairman ampamp Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis CDOC HospitalThe revised guidelines introduce a twostage classification system addressing both generalised and abdominal obesityStage 1 includes increased adiposity BMI more than 23 kgmsup2 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 comorbiditiesStage 2 is an advanced state of obesity with an increased BMI of more than 23 kg2 and abdominal adiposity with excess waist circumference WC or waisttoheight ratio WHtR It includes impact on physical and organ functions knee arthritis due to excess weight or presence of type 2 diabetesThe study called for tailored weight reduction strategies based on the above classification to tackle obesityThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever