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General Studies 3 >> Science & Technology

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BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

 
 
1. Context
 
India has revised guidelines for obesity treatment and diagnosis after 15 years. The move comes after a call for global recalibration on how obesity is measured. In a recent report published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, the global commission noted that Body Mass Index (BMI) apart, the distribution of body fat is also a key indicator of overall health and disease patterns
 
2.  What is body mass index (BMI)?
 
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple and widely used measure to assess whether a person's body weight is appropriate for their height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)). This calculation provides a numerical value that helps categorize individuals into different weight ranges, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
  • The primary purpose of BMI is to serve as a screening tool for identifying potential health risks related to body weight.
  • For example, if someone has a BMI that falls into the overweight or obese range, it might indicate a higher risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Similarly, a very low BMI can be a sign of malnutrition or other underlying health concerns.
  • However, it’s important to note that BMI has limitations. It doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat, meaning a muscular individual could have a high BMI without excess body fat.
  • Likewise, BMI doesn’t account for differences in body composition based on age, gender, or ethnicity. Despite these limitations, BMI remains a valuable and quick tool for public health assessments and individual health evaluations when used alongside other indicators
 
3. New Classifications
 
  • The updated classification system distinguishes obesity into two stages: the first, referred to as "innocuous obesity," is characterized by an increase in body fat without any associated organ dysfunction or metabolic issues.
  • The second stage, termed "obesity with consequences," involves physical impairments and the presence of obesity-related illnesses. This framework places a particular focus on abdominal fat distribution, which poses significant health risks for Asian Indian populations.
  • A major milestone was achieved in 2009 when India adopted revised obesity definitions tailored to Asian Indians. These adjustments recognized that Asian Indians tend to have higher percentages of body fat compared to Western populations and are prone to developing diabetes at lower BMI levels, as noted by Anoop Misra, one of the paper's co-authors.
  • The new guidelines introduced lower BMI thresholds, defining overweight as a BMI between 23 and 24.9 kg/m² and obesity as a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher, in contrast to Western benchmarks of 25 kg/m² for overweight and 30 kg/m² for obesity.
  • Additionally, the recommended waist circumference limits were reduced to >90 cm for men and >80 cm for women, compared to Western standards of 102 cm and 88 cm, respectively.
  • These revised guidelines not only shaped obesity management practices for South Asians globally but also spurred a wave of research, enhancing the understanding of obesity and its implications for Asian Indian populations
 
4. Indian bodies and BMI
 
 
  • Research indicates that Indian populations tend to experience higher levels of inflammation and metabolic disturbances at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. The most effective approach to counter these risks is to adopt regular exercise and a healthy diet early in life.
  • The report emphasizes that relying solely on BMI to assess obesity is not a dependable indicator of an individual's health or illness. This approach can lead to misdiagnoses, often resulting in adverse consequences for individuals living with obesity.
  • An analysis of data trends from 2005 to 2020, based on the National Family Health Survey, reveals a significant rise in overweight and obesity rates among Indians aged 15 to 49.
  • Over this 15-year span, the prevalence of overweight or obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) increased from 12.6% to 24% in women and from 9.3% to 22.9% in men. This means that nearly a quarter of the population in this age group is now classified as either overweight or obese.
  • Additionally, the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) in both men and women has more than doubled during this period
 
5. What does obesity do to the body?
 
Obesity has a significant impact on the body, affecting multiple organs and systems. It goes beyond just weight gain and can lead to serious health complications if not managed.
 
Here’s how obesity impacts the body:
 
  • Excess body fat increases the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated cholesterol levels, and heart disease. Obesity contributes to a buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes
  • Obesity is strongly linked to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin. This can progress to type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss
  • Excess fat around the chest and abdomen can make breathing more difficult, leading to conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disrupts sleep and strains the heart
  • Carrying extra weight places stress on joints, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. Obesity can also affect posture and mobility.
  • Obesity raises the risk of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, and fatty liver disease, which can progress to liver inflammation and cirrhosis.
  • n women, obesity can lead to menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and difficulties with fertility. In men, it may contribute to reduced testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction
  • Obesity is often associated with stigma, low self-esteem, and depression. The psychological toll can lead to emotional eating, creating a cycle of weight gain
  •  Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon, liver, kidney, and endometrial cancers. Excess fat can produce hormones and inflammatory chemicals that promote cancer growth
 
For Prelims: Obseity, Cardiovascular disease
 
For Mains: GS III - Science & Technology
 
Source: The Hindu

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