PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It has been estimated that more than 40% of adults are obese.
For many years, a measurement called BMI (body mass index) has been used to determine whether someone is obese and the degree of obesity. BMI is now built into computer systems that health care providers use at all levels, but there are problems.
BMI alone is not an adequate tool to screen people for health complications. A better measurement is central adiposity, which focuses on measuring waist circumference.
The term "obese" has been largely stigmatized in society. If the diagnosis is given, there should be a close look at genetic factors, social determinants and education about long-term complications.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
