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Lancet Proposes New Obesity Classes, Critics Warn Access Limits

6/2/2026

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Summary

Lancet Commission Proposes Obesity

The Lancet Commission of 56 experts met in 2022 and proposed clinical and preclinical obesity categories in January 2025.
Seventy-six medical groups endorsed the proposal, although critics warn it could restrict treatment access.
NHANES 2021-2023 data on over 5,000 U.S. adults showed about 78% met excess-adiposity criteria.
Over half of overweight adults and about one-quarter of normal-BMI adults qualified as clinically obese.

Summary

Study Challenges BMI

The article argues that BMI, calculated as weight divided by height squared, is inadequate because it masks health differences.
People with identical BMI can develop heart failure, breathlessness, and limited mobility.
Others with the same BMI may remain long-term healthy with no major cardiometabolic problems.
The piece urges redefining obesity to include functional capacity and organ-function markers, not just BMI.

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Lancet Commission Proposes Obesity

The Lancet Commission of 56 experts met in 2022 and proposed clinical and preclinical obesity categories in January 2025.
Seventy-six medical groups endorsed the proposal, although critics warn it could restrict treatment access.
NHANES 2021-2023 data on over 5,000 U.S. adults showed about 78% met excess-adiposity criteria.
Over half of overweight adults and about one-quarter of normal-BMI adults qualified as clinically obese.

1 / 2