When you don't use BMI fewer children are classifed as obese

The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life.

Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.

Guest/s

• Dr Danielle Longmore, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist and post-doctoral clinician researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute

References

• The Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countries