The Meat of the Obesity Problem

16 Jan 2025

The Meat of the Obesity Problem

The Lancet urges a shift from Body Mass Index (BMI) to better obesity metrics, emphasizing the need for accurate assessments to address rising obesity rates.

Key reforms proposed in obesity diagnosis

  • Old classification system
    • Traditional Approach (Old System) Relied solely on Body Mass Index (BMI).
    • BMI over 30 was considered obese
    • This method was Simple but problematic measurement system
  • New Classification System
    • Dual System: New system comprises two categories: Clinical Obesity and Pre-clinical Obesity.
      • Clinical Obesity: Considers not just physical measurements but also health impacts like heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues. 
        • It looks at how excess weight affects daily activities.
      • Pre-clinical Obesity: Identifies individuals at risk before they develop serious health issues. 
        • This allows for early intervention and promotes healthier lifestyles.

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Diagnostic Tools and Implementation

  • Beyond BMI: The new framework uses more advanced tools:
    • Waist Circumference: Important for spotting dangerous abdominal fat. 
      • Critical threshold for women: > 35 inches
      • Critical threshold for men: > 40 inches
        • Indicates abdominal fat risk
    • DEXA Scans: Provide accurate body fat measurements.
    • Comprehensive Health Assessments: Check cardiovascular health, metabolic markers, and joint functionality.
    • Lifestyle Factors: Includes physical activity, diet, and sleep quality.

What is obesity?

Obesity

  • It is a disease in which the body accumulates excess body fat (adipose tissue). 
  • It occurs due to intake of more calories than burned by exercises. 
  • A person having a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. 

Indian Status of obesity: 2022 v/s 1990

  • Obesity among women: The Lancet study reveals that 44 million women above 20 in India were obese. 
    • Among women, the prevalence of obesity has seen a sharp rise, with 9.8 per cent now classified as obese.
      • It has increased by 8.6 percentage points since 1990.
  • ObesityObesity among men: 26 million men aged above 20 in India were found to be obese 
    • The obesity rate among men has increased to 5.4 per cent, representing a 4.9 percentage point rise over the same period.
  • India’s Global Position:
    • Regarding obesity prevalence among women, India ranks 182nd out of 197 countries worldwide as of 2022.
    • For men, India holds the 180th position globally.
    • Among girls and boys, India is placed 174th on the global scale.
    • Global ranking for underweight: India holds the highest global ranking for underweight girls and the second-highest for boys.

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What is BMI?

  • BMI is a medical tool that measures body fat by comparing a person’s weight and height.
  • It is calculated using the formula:
    BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
  • While BMI gives an estimate of body fat, it is not always accurate.
  • Healthcare providers combine BMI with other tests to assess overall health.
  • Importance of Body Fat
    • Too Much Body Fat: Can cause health problems like heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
    • ObesityToo Little Body Fat: May lead to malnutrition, weak immunity, anemia, osteoporosis, and infertility.
    • Ideal Body Fat: Helps absorb vitamins, provides energy, regulates body temperature, and protects organs.
  • BMI Classification (in kg/m²)
    • Underweight: Less than 18.5
    • Normal Range: 18.5 to 24.9
    • Overweight: 25 to 29.9
    • Class I Obesity: 30 to 34.9
    • Class II Obesity: 35 to 39.9
    • Class III Obesity: More than 40
  • Limitations of BMI 
    • Cannot distinguish between:
      • Muscle mass and fat mass
      • Different body types and compositions
        • Athletic vs sedentary individuals
      • Does not account for fat distribution
      • Fails to consider individual health conditions
    • Examples of BMI limitations:
      • Athletes often classified as obese despite being healthy
      • Some people with dangerous fat levels may have normal BMI
      • Doesn’t account for age or gender difference

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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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