Nearly 7 In 10 Americans Now Considered Obese Under New Definition:

A new study suggests the way obesity is defined could dramatically change who is considered at risk, with updated criteria classifying nearly 70% of U.S. adults as obese instead of about 43%. Researchers added waist size and body fat distribution to BMI, finding that hidden visceral fat can signal higher chances of heart disease and diabetes even in people who may appear healthy. The jump was especially striking among adults over 70, where roughly 80% met the new threshold. Experts say the shift could help doctors better target care and expand access to treatments, but warn that focusing on weight alone still misses the bigger picture of metabolic health.