Indian researchers have updated obesity criteria, focusing on waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, with new benchmarks at 80 cm for women and 90 cm for men to address obesity-related health risks.

Indian researchers have introduced revised obesity criteria that shift the focus from Body Mass Index (BMI) to waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. A study published in Elsevier, led by experts from the National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation, Fortis CDOC Hospital, and AIIMS Delhi, revealed that individuals may be classified as obese even with a normal BMI if their waist measurements exceed specific thresholds.

Abdominal obesity is marked by a waist measurement of 80 cm for women and 90 cm for men. Additionally, a waist-to-height ratio above 0.5 indicates obesity. These updated guidelines aim to better address health risks associated with abdominal obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. The changes replaced the outdated 2009 BMI-based criteria, offering a clearer approach for Indian patients.

(Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/80-cm-for-women-90-for-men-researchers-find-new-measure-for-obesity-in-india-and-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-your-weight/articleshow/117296635.cms )