From the Guidelines
The recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria for use in the Philippines is a BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher, as this is the cut-off point where treatment recommendations are unanimously agreed upon by South and Southeast Asian obesity specialists, including those from the Philippines, according to the most recent consensus in 2023 1. This classification is based on the latest consensus on care and management of obesity in South and Southeast Asia, which takes into account the unique health risks and body composition of Asian populations, including Filipinos. The key points to consider are:
- A BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher is considered a critical threshold for intervention, as it is associated with increased health risks, including obesity-related complications.
- The use of this BMI cut-off point is supported by a unanimous consensus among South and Southeast Asian obesity specialists, with the exception of one recommendation regarding the initial approach to therapy.
- The Asia-Pacific classification, which includes the Philippines, uses lower BMI cut-off points than the standard WHO criteria, reflecting the higher body fat percentages and greater risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes at lower BMI levels in Asian populations, as noted in the context of the study 1. The Department of Health in the Philippines is likely to endorse these modified criteria, as they more accurately reflect the health risks specific to the Filipino population, and healthcare providers should use these Asia-Pacific BMI standards when assessing Filipino patients to ensure appropriate health risk evaluation and management recommendations.
From the Research
BMI Criteria in the Philippines
The recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria for use in the Philippines is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies suggest that the traditional BMI cutoff values may not be suitable for the Filipino population.
- A study published in 2014 2 found that the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes increases with a BMI of ≥23 kg/m2 in Filipino American women.
- Another study published in 2003 3 found that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is higher among Filipino adults with a BMI of ≥25.0 kg/m2.
- A study published in 2018 4 used a BMI cutoff value of >25 kg/m2 to define obesity, but did not discuss the suitability of this cutoff value for the Filipino population.
- A study published in 2020 5 assessed the performance of a modified BMI formula in predicting body fat percentage among Filipino young adults, but did not provide a clear recommendation for a BMI criteria.
Alternative BMI Cutoff Values
Some studies suggest that alternative BMI cutoff values may be more suitable for the Filipino population. For example:
- A study published in 2006 6 found that the use of lower BMI cutoff values (21.2 and 22.1 kg/m2 for men and 21.2 and 22.9 kg/m2 for women) yielded the optimal areas under the curve for an association with hypertension and diabetes.
- A study published in 2014 2 found that the prevalence of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors increased significantly with BMI categories starting at 23-24.9 kg/m2.
Conclusion is not allowed, the response will continue with more information
It is worth noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of the following BMI categories:
- Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m2
- Normal weight: BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
- Overweight: BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2
- Obese: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 However, these categories may not be suitable for all populations, and alternative cutoff values may be needed for specific ethnic or geographic groups, as suggested by the studies cited above 4, 5, 6, 2, 3.