Exploring the Science on Measures of Body Composition, Body Fat Distribution, and Obesity

The National Academies Roundtable on Obesity Solutions hosted a public workshop series in April and June 2023 that explored the current science on measures of body composition and body fat distribution. Discussions focused on the strengths and limitations, and clinical and anthropological perspectives of body mass index (BMI) as a measure of adiposity and health. Presentations also shed light on the connection between misinformation and bias and stigma, as well as challenged current communication strategies to improve messaging about obesity.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 Obesity: Definitions and Perspectives3 Tensions and Perspectives Around BMI4 Applications and Uses of BMI, Body Composition, and Body Fat Distribution5 Looking Ahead6 Communicating How Obesity Is Defined and Diagnosed7 Innovations in Communicating About Body Weight in the Clinic and Beyond8 Ethics and Trust in Communicating About the Intersection of Body Weight and Health9 Improving Communication About Body Weight10 Promoting Change in Culture and Perception About Body WeightReferencesAppendix A: Workshop AgendasAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Workshop Speakers and Planning Committee Members