A new tool - the Edmonton obesity staging system (EOSS) - improves on current methods to predict the risk of death in overweight and obese people, according to a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).



Body mass index (BMI) is the most common tool in measuring excess fat, although it is an indirect measure and cannot distinguish between lean and fat tissue. BMI also does not assess for the presence of any of the numerous conditions that may be associated with excess weight. Studies have reported that high BMI is associated with an increased risk of obesity-related health issues (morbidity) and death. Increased waist circumference is also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome.



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