The American Medical Association (AMA) has issued new guidance recommending that physicians consider factors beyond Body Mass Index (BMI) when evaluating a patient's weight. The organization argues that BMI doesn't consistently predict health risks across diverse racial and ethnic groups.

BMI, a calculation based on weight and height, has long been the standard for categorizing weight status, from underweight to morbidly obese. However, growing evidence suggests it's an imperfect measure of individual health risks.

During their annual meeting, AMA members voted to adopt a policy emphasizing a more holistic approach to weight assessment. The policy encourages doctors to consider body composition, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and genetic predispositions in addition to BMI.

The AMA acknowledges that the BMI scale primarily relies on data from white individuals, and body composition differs significantly across racial and ethnic groups, genders, and age groups. They also highlighted the historical misuse of BMI for discriminatory purposes.

Traditionally, excess weight has been attributed to lifestyle choices, such as overeating due to a perceived lack of self-control. However, perspectives on healthy weight and the causes of obesity are evolving, influenced by new management strategies, including innovative weight-loss medications.

The AMA also cautioned against overemphasizing thinness, stating that it can be just as detrimental to physical and mental health as obesity. They encourage physicians to guide patients away from obsessive dieting and towards developing personalized, balanced approaches to achieving a healthy weight.

Furthermore, the AMA's new policy recommends against using BMI as the sole basis for determining insurance coverage.