Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the newly established BMI standards for elderly individuals aged 80 and above, aimed at improving health management and quality of life for this demographic [5][6]. Group 1: New Standards for Elderly Health Management - The National Health Commission released the BMI health range for elderly individuals, which will be implemented on February 1, 2026 [5]. - The ideal BMI for elderly individuals is set between 22.0 and 26.9, providing a scientific basis for healthcare professionals to create personalized weight management plans [6][12]. - This standard addresses a gap in weight management for the elderly in China, marking a significant step towards refined and standardized elderly health services [6]. Group 2: Key Terminology and Calculations - High-aged elderly individuals are defined as those aged 80 years and above [8]. - The scientific formula for calculating BMI is weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) [9]. - Maintaining a BMI within the range of 22.0 to 26.9 significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition or obesity-related diseases [10]. Group 3: Measurement Guidelines - Height can be measured using three methods, including standard standing measurement and alternatives for those unable to stand [15][16]. - Weight should be measured with precision, using electronic scales that display results to 0.1 kg [18]. - Special considerations are provided for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues [19]. Group 4: Weight Management Strategies - The article outlines personalized management goals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the ideal BMI range [20]. - Regular monitoring of weight and height is recommended, with specific alerts for significant weight fluctuations [20]. - Nutritional guidelines suggest a diverse diet rich in quality proteins and appropriate food textures for elderly individuals [23]. Group 5: Activity Recommendations - Daily outdoor activities and a combination of strength and balance exercises are encouraged for elderly individuals [23]. - Special attention is advised for frail elderly individuals, ensuring they are accompanied during physical activities [23].

Core Viewpoint - Weight is only one aspect of health assessment, and true health encompasses body fat, muscle, metabolic state, and personal comfort and vitality [1][2]. Group 1: Health Assessment Metrics - Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common preliminary health assessment tool calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared [2]. - The standard BMI classifications for adults in China are: Normal (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24), Overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 28), and Obesity (BMI ≥ 28) [3]. - BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle, meaning individuals with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but be healthy, while those with a normal BMI may have excessive fat, particularly visceral fat, posing health risks [3]. Group 2: Visceral Fat and Health Risks - Excess visceral fat is linked to central obesity and is associated with metabolic disorders and increased cardiovascular disease risk, as highlighted in the latest guidelines from the National Health Commission [4]. - Waist circumference can be a simple self-assessment tool, with normal ranges being less than 85 cm for men and less than 80 cm for women; values of 90 cm or more for men and 85 cm or more for women indicate central obesity [5]. Group 3: Comprehensive Health Indicators - Body fat percentage is a more direct measure of body composition, with over 25% for men and 30% for women indicating excess body fat, which suggests potential health risks even if weight is normal [5]. - Common measurement methods include body fat scales and skinfold calipers, with recommendations for reliable body fat scales for home tracking [6]. Group 4: Strategies for Achieving Healthy Weight - Optimizing dietary structure is essential, focusing on balanced meals with quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, and sufficient fruits and vegetables while controlling added sugars and processed foods [7]. - Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, along with 2-3 sessions of resistance training, can enhance muscle mass and boost metabolic rate [8]. - Attention to physiological and behavioral factors is crucial, including ensuring 7-9 hours of quality sleep, managing stress, and establishing sustainable habits rather than extreme short-term measures [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as a superior metric for assessing obesity-related metabolic risks compared to traditional body mass index (BMI) measurements, highlighting its advantages in clinical practice and recent guideline updates [6][10][12]. Group 1: Obesity and Metabolic Disorders - The obesity rate among adults in China has surpassed 50% and is projected to reach 61% by 2030, indicating a serious public health challenge [8]. - Obesity is linked to various metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, which can lead to severe diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers [8]. Group 2: Waist-to-Height Ratio Advantages - Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is highlighted for its significant advantages over BMI, including better correlation with visceral fat accumulation and broader coverage of metabolic disorders [6][10]. - WHtR demonstrates higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for identifying obesity-related diseases, particularly in women, and effectively addresses the limitations of BMI [10]. Group 3: Clinical Guidelines and Standards - Recent international guidelines suggest a paradigm shift in obesity diagnosis, incorporating WHtR into the assessment criteria, thus moving from a weight-centric approach to a comprehensive metabolic risk evaluation [12][13]. - The updated diagnostic pathways include multiple metrics for confirming obesity, enhancing the precision of identifying high-risk individuals [13].