A new report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology challenges the conventional definition of obesity, and urges a shift from the reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) to a more nuanced approach. This is supported by over 50 global medical experts. The report also recommends splitting the term "obesity" into two categories: "Clinical obesity" and "Pre-clinical obesity". This aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for over a billion people worldwide living with obesity.
This applies to individuals whose obesity has progressed to a disease state, manifesting in organ damage, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or other health complications. These individuals could also experience symptoms like breathlessness, joint pain, or impaired daily functioning. Treatment also involves medical interventions, including weight-loss medications or surgery.
Whereas the term "pre-clinic obese" refers to those who are overweight but not yet exhibiting health issues. While they may be at risk of developing obesity-related conditions, their organ function and overall health remain intact. What they need is preventive care, which includes dietary guidance, counselling, and regular monitoring to avoid and reduce future health risks.
The study, led by Professor Francesco Rubino from King's College London emphasizes that obesity is not one-size-fits-all condition. This means it should rather be treated as a spectrum as some individuals maintain normal organ function despite being classified as obese. There are others who may face severe health complications too. However, the current method of calculating obesity based on BMI often leads to misdiagnosis or inadequate care.
The report also states that BMI, while is useful for analyzing population trends, is a flawed unit of measuring individual health. Therefore, there is a need to redefine obesity, and healthcare professionals can provide more precise care by distinguishing those who need immediate medical intervention and those who require preventive strategies.
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. However, there are reasons while it falls short.
•Muscle vs Fat: Athletes or muscular individuals often have high BMIs despite the low body fat
•Fat Distribution: BMI does not measure fat around the waist or organs, which could be more dangerous to one's health.
•Individual Health Variation: It also overlooks the specific health conditions such as heart diseases or diabetes, or any other, while evaluating a person's category in terms of weight.
ALSO READ: Is It Time To Say Goodbye To BMI?
By redefining obesity, the study could transform the approach to diagnosis and treatment. It can focus on individual health risks rather than BMI alone. Healthcare providers can also offer tailored care. This also will ensure hat weight-loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro are prescribed only to those who genuinely require it.
As per Professor Louise Baur from the University of Sydney, a Children's obesity expert said that this redefinition allows both adults and children to receive more appropriate care while reducing over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
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Even as injectable aesthetic procedures are gaining popularity as "cosmetic" treatments in beauty clinics and wellness centers across the country, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has tightened rules around cosmetic use.
In a new public notice issued this week, the CDSCO stated that cosmetic products that come in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law. It said that such products are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.
"Cosmetic means any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, or introduced into, or otherwise applied to, the human body," the notice said.
It added that cosmetics are for "cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance."
Thus, "products supplied in the form of injectable preparation do not fall under the definition of cosmetics. No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics," the notice added.
The new rules bar professionals and stakeholders from using or manufacturing any cosmetic product intended for injection or medical purposes.
The move also seeks to curb misleading advertising and unauthorised cosmetic practices by clinics and individuals.
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The regulator also warned against misleading claims and the use of prohibited ingredients in cosmetic products, saying such violations attract action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
"Use of prohibited ingredients in cosmetic products, misleading claims on label, use of cosmetics for treatment, and application of cosmetics through injection attracts violations of the said Act & Rules," the notice said.
The regulator stated that no person shall alter, obliterate, or deface any inscription made by the manufacturer on the container or label of the product intended for use as a cosmetic.

The notice added that the list of generally not recognised as safe (GNRAS) and restricted ingredients is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
It has also encouraged the public and users to report any instance of misleading claims or violations through email and state licensing authorities.
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The move follows several incidents of sub-standard cosmetic products found to be sold in the market, ranging from Botox parties in upscale salons to glutathione “skin whitening” drips offered in local aesthetic clinics.
Social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and growing demand for “preventive anti-ageing” treatments among younger consumers have driven the market for injectable beauty products, especially Glutathione drips, as well as detoxifying therapies, in the country.
Medical experts have also been raising concerns over their long-term safety and efficacy. As per experts, unregulated injectable procedures carry risks ranging from allergic reactions and infections to liver and kidney complications in extreme cases.
The new norms, thus, are part of the government's plans to strengthen the regulatory mechanism for cosmetics.
The government is also reportedly planning to designate a Central Cosmetics Laboratory to test cosmetic samples and may also designate any laboratory under its control for testing, according to Mint.
In addition, manufacturers will have to keep details and records of each batch and raw materials. Records are to be maintained for three years after the expiry of each batch. Imported cosmetic products shall bear a code number as approved by the State Licensing Authority.
Credit: AI generated image
Amid continuing heatwave conditions in northern India, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger serious and potentially fatal medical emergencies, particularly among elderly individuals and cardiac patients, according to an expert.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe temperatures across several states.
"Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions likely to continue to prevail over northwest & central India during the week and over East India during the next 5 days," the IMD said, in its latest update on May 20.
It added that severe heat conditions will persist for at least the next 72 hours across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Temperatures in several cities are expected to touch 47°C to 48°C, with Banda currently emerging as the hottest place in the country.
Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, Senior Director & Head, CTVS, Max Super Speciality Hospital, told HealthandMe that heat-related illnesses are not limited to discomfort or dehydration alone, and can rapidly worsen if early warning signs are ignored.
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There are two major heat-related illnesses that people must understand so that timely precautions can be taken — heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat exhaustion is a milder and more common condition and typically occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in the outdoors," Dr. Vaibhav said.
Excessive sweating leads to significant loss of water and salts from the body, resulting in:
"However, if heat exposure continues and the body’s cooling mechanisms begin to fail, the condition can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. In heat stroke, body temperature often rises above 104°F," Dr Vaibhav told HealthandMe.
What may initially appear as confusion, disorientation, or irrelevant talking can rapidly worsen into:
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Dr Vaibhav said that to cool the body during extreme heat, the heart has to work harder and beat faster so that more blood can be directed towards the skin for heat dissipation.
"This places additional stress on an already weakened heart. Many cardiac patients are also on medications such as diuretics, which increase fluid loss and dehydration. Certain blood pressure medicines may blunt the body’s normal response to heat and delay warning symptoms," the expert told HealthandMe.
Dehydration further thickens the blood and, combined with increased cardiac workload, can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dangerous rhythm disturbances.
Dr. Vaibhav stressed the critical need for early recognition of symptoms, especially in vulnerable individuals such as elderly people and cardiac patients, who are much more susceptible to heat-related complications.
Simple preventive measures can save lives. These include
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Vanessa Trump, , the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and recently underwent a medical procedure as she begins treatment and recovery.
In a post on social media platform Instagram, Vanessa informed of recently undergoing a medical procedure as she begins treatment and recovery. However, she did not disclose additional details about the stage of the cancer or specifics of her treatment plan.
"I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer," Vanessa wrote in the post. "While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan."
She also revealed that doctors performed "a procedure earlier this week" and thanked her family, children and medical team for supporting her through the diagnosis and recovery process.
"I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids, and those closest to me," she added.
The announcement also drew support from members of the Trump family and supporters online, including a public response from Ivanka Trump, who commented: "Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama."
The post was also liked by Tiffany Trump and rapidly gained engagement as readers reacted to Vanessa’s news.
Vanessa thanked her supporters “for their kindness” and also requested for privacy in her road to recovery.
"Thank you for your kindness and support it truly means more than I can express," she wrote. "I kindly ask for privacy as I focus on my health and recovery."
Vanessa was married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018. They share five children together. In 2025, she began a highly publicized relationship with professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Also read: Breast Cancer To Reach Over 3.5 Mn By 2050, Deaths To Surge 44% Predicts Lancet Study
Breast Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often beginning in the milk ducts or lobules. It remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology projected that global breast cancer cases could rise to more than 3.5 million annually by 2050.
Major Lifestyle Risk Factors
In 2023, 28 percent of the global breast cancer burden (6.8 million years of healthy life lost to disability, illness, and early death) was linked to six potentially modifiable risk factors. These include:
Read More:Olivia Munn Opens Up About Detecting No-Symptom Breast Cancer With Lifetime Risk Assessment Test
Regular checkups are the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early identification of breast abnormalities greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and survival. Women who ignore screenings may face delayed diagnosis, which can complicate treatment.
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