Recent research reveals that the BMI threshold for obesity should be reconsidered for adults over 40, especially women [1].
Traditionally, a BMI of 30 kg/m² is used to classify obesity, but this standard misclassifies around 40% of older women as non-obese. The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, suggests that a BMI of about 27 kg/m² is more accurate for identifying obesity in this age group.
The study involved researchers from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and the Beirut Arab University. They analyzed over 4,800 adults using DXA scans to measure body fat.
The current BMI standard fails to identify many older adults at risk of obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Misclassifying these individuals can delay necessary medical interventions and lifestyle changes that could mitigate health risks.
Lowering the BMI threshold to 27 kg/m² for adults over 40 could improve diagnosis and treatment.
The misclassification issue is more pronounced in women. The study found that 40% of women classified as non-obese by the standard BMI had obesity-level body fat percentages.
This discrepancy underscores the need for gender-specific considerations in obesity diagnosis.
The researchers urge reevaluating BMI standards for older adults to enhance public health outcomes. They recommend healthcare professionals consider body fat percentage alongside BMI when assessing obesity in this demographic.
This dual approach could improve the accuracy of obesity diagnosis and the effectiveness of subsequent health interventions.
Adjusting the BMI threshold for older adults, particularly lowering it to 27 kg/m², could significantly improve the identification of obesity and related health risks [2]. This change is especially crucial for older women frequently misclassified under current BMI standards.
Adopting these new guidelines could lead to more timely and effective healthcare for middle-aged and older populations.
[1] https://scitechdaily.com/rethinking-bmi-new-research-suggests-lower-obesity-threshold-for-adults-over-40/
[2] https://easo.org/study-supports-lower-bmi-threshold-for-obesity-in-the-over-40s/
