The condition is better measured by looking at factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance, according to the doctor. In some cases, using BMI can result in “muscular athletes” being labeled as obese, he noted, and people with “normal” BMI can sometimes have “harmful” levels of visceral (abdominal) fat.

A commission proposed a new definition of obesity focused on how excess fat affects the body, rather than assessing body mass index, that could change clinical care.

The way the world defines obesity has been in need of an overhaul, according to some experts, and it could be coming soon thanks to a new set of standards.