LONDON  –  Calling people obese is medically “flawed” – and the definition should be split into two, a report from global experts says. The term “clinical obesity” should be used for patients with a medical condition caused by their weight, while “pre-clinically obese” should be applied to those remaining fat but fit, although at risk of disease. This is better for patients than relying only on body mass index (BMI) – which measures whether they are a healthy weight for their height – to determine obesity. More than a billion people are estimated to be living with obesity worldwide and prescription weight-loss drugs are in high demand. The report, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, is supported by more than 50 medical experts around the world.

“Some individuals with obesity can maintain normal organ function and overall health, even long term, whereas others display signs and symptoms of severe illness here and now,” Prof Francesco Rubino, from King’s College London, who chaired the expert group, said. “Obesity is a spectrum,” he added. The current, blanket definition means too many people are being diagnosed as obese but not receiving the most appropriate care, the report says. Natalie, from Crewe, goes to the gym four times a week and has a healthy diet, but is still overweight. “I would consider myself on the larger side, but I’m fit,” she told the BBC 5 Live phone-in with Nicky Campbell. “If you look at my BMI I’m obese, but if I speak to my doctor they say that I’m fit, healthy and there’s nothing wrong with me. “I’m doing everything I can to stay fit and have a long healthy life,” she said.

Richard, from Falmouth, said there is a lot of confusion around BMI. “When they did my test, it took me to a level of borderline obesity, but my body fat was only 4.9% – the problem is I had a lot of muscle mass,” he says. In Mike’s opinion, you cannot be fat and fit – he says it is all down to diet.

“All these skinny jabs make me laugh, if you want to lose weight stop eating – it’s easy.” Currently, in many countries, obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30 – a measurement that estimates body fat based on height and weight. (BBC/Getty Images)