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New Obesity Definition Could Skyrocket U.S. Rate to 68.6%

10/18/2025

Center

Harvard Redefines Obesity

The proposed obesity definition combines waist measurements with BMI and would raise the U.S. obesity rate from 42.9% to 68.6%.
Harvard researchers proposed the change and it is supported by 76 medical organizations.
The study of over 300,000 participants showed that many individuals with normal BMI have abdominal fat labeled "anthropometric-only obesity."
This reclassification could reshape healthcare policies and treatment eligibility by identifying at-risk individuals despite a healthy BMI.

Right

Obesity Rates Decline

Trust for America's Health reports adult obesity above 35 percent declined from 23 states in 2023 to 19 in 2024.
Despite this, 40 percent of American adults remain obese.
West Virginia leads with 41.4 percent, while Colorado is 25 percent.
Racial disparities persist, with Black adults at 49.9 percent and Latino adults at 45.6 percent affected.
UNICEF warns unhealthy food environments drive rising global childhood obesity.

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Harvard Redefines Obesity

The proposed obesity definition combines waist measurements with BMI and would raise the U.S. obesity rate from 42.9% to 68.6%.
Harvard researchers proposed the change and it is supported by 76 medical organizations.
The study of over 300,000 participants showed that many individuals with normal BMI have abdominal fat labeled "anthropometric-only obesity."
This reclassification could reshape healthcare policies and treatment eligibility by identifying at-risk individuals despite a healthy BMI.

1 / 2