Obesity is typically assessed by measuring someone's body mass index, but now researchers are calling for a more nuanced approach that could help with treatment

People are being “overdiagnosed” with obesity, leading medics have warned as they called for a “reframing” of the way the condition is diagnosed. Academics have suggested that a body mass index (BMI) score is not “nuanced” enough to measure obesity and more assessments are needed before someone is told they are obese.

BMI is used to classify individuals as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese based on their height and weight. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by health in meters squared.