Issue Highlights

A new classification of obesity was proposed in January 2025 by a Commission convened by The Lancet.An editorial by Annika Janson points out that the new criteria are likely to complicate work in paediatric clinics, who currently use body mass index (BMI) charts that are easy to use and explain. 1 These are still appropriate for children, because they cannot build a lot of muscle and a high BMI almost always means a high proportion of body fat.Janson also states that many of the new criteria need to be defined, such as what is meant by movement restriction and abnormal liver tests.