From Old to New: A Comprehensive Review of Obesity Diagnostic Criteria and Their Implications

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that imposes significant health burdens worldwide. Although body mass index (BMI) is widely used for its simplicity and utility at the population level, it fails to capture critical clinical aspects, including body composition, fat distribution, metabolic health, and functional impairment. This review explores the limitations of current BMI-based diagnostic criteria for obesity and introduces a new definition and diagnostic framework proposed by the Commission on Clinical Obesity. The new criteria redefine obesity using clinical and biological markers and distinguish between clinical and preclinical obesity based on functional consequences and risk stratification. This approach aims to facilitate more accurate diagnoses, individualized treatment, and evidence-based health policies, while also addressing issues such as weight stigma and overdiagnosis. Further research is needed to validate this model and support its integration into clinical practice.