Beyond BMI: What is obesity, really?

For decades, BMI has been the most widely used tool for measuring obesity. But recently, the medical community has begun to move away from using it as the main way to measure and define obesity. So in this episode, we’re opening up a nuanced discussion about why this popular tool… was never really built for the job. Why do we still use BMI? What are its limitations? And is there a better way to understand and measure obesity? Host Joe Hanson dives in.

Featured guests:
– Dr. Lisa Tarasenko, Obesity Global Medical Affairs Leader, Pfizer
– Dr. Giles Yeo, Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, University of Cambridge
– Dr. David Cummings, Professor of Medicine, University of Washington, and Founding Director, Weight Management Clinic and Program, Seattle-Tacoma VA System

Dive into the episode here:
00:00 – Wait, what is BMI?
02:58 – Why understanding obesity is crucial
05:05 – The problems with BMI
13:11 – A new definition of obesity

Check out our YouTube channel (@Pfizer) to watch full interviews with Joe & special experts and guests for more on obesity.

Season 7 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Joe Hanson. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time.

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