SEOUL - An intriguing new study from South Korea is shaking up conventional views on body mass index (BMI) classifications.

Currently, a BMI over 25 is labeled as “obese,” but recent findings advocate for a significant shift: experts recommend raising the obesity threshold to 27.

Professor Oh Sang-woo, a leading family medicine specialist at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, asserts that the current classification may not adequately reflect the health profiles of Korean individuals.

He states, “Research from two decades ago indicated that the lowest risk of mortality was linked to a BMI of 23. However, as lifestyles and body profiles have evolved towards a more Westernized model, this optimal BMI appears to have increased to 25.”

To illustrate this shift, consider a man who stands at 173cm and weighs 75kg. Under Korea's current standards, he is classified as obese with a BMI just over 25.

Should the new recommendations take effect, this same man would be regarded as healthy even if his weight increased to 80kg—a significant change that could alter public perception of healthy living.

This recommendation is backed by extensive research from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) research institute, which discovered that a BMI of 25 corresponds to the lowest mortality rates.

Mortality risks appear to follow a U-shaped pattern, with the highest risk associated with both the lower (under 18.5) and higher (over 35) ends of the BMI spectrum.

South Korea's adherence to the World Health Organization's standards for the Western Pacific region defines the current BMI brackets: a BMI of 18.5-22.9 is deemed “normal,” 23-24.9 indicates “pre-obesity” or “overweight,” and a BMI of 25 and above is categorized as “obese.”

However, alarming statistics underline the need for adjustment.

Individuals falling below a BMI of 18.5 and those exceeding 35 faced a mortality risk 1.72 and 1.64 times greater, respectively, when compared to those with a BMI of 25.

Lee Sun-mi, director of the Health Management Research Centre at NHIS, echoed calls for a revised obesity threshold, noting that several other nations, including China, set their obesity classification higher—defining it at a BMI of 28.

“The NHIS is committed to enhancing healthcare initiatives aimed at supporting the country's population classified as obese, who have a heightened risk for chronic diseases and mortality,” Lee added.

This compelling study, which spanned over two decades and tracked all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease risks among approximately 8.47 million adults, highlights the need for a rethink in how we measure and understand health through BMI.

As South Korea considers this important change, it could pave the way for a broader reevaluation of health metrics globally.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story, which could revolutionize health guidelines not only in South Korea but also across the globe!