Research from the University of Southern California reveals that a significant number of people with a normal body mass index (BMI) are classified as clinically obese based on new criteria. Approximately 26% of individuals with a normal BMI and over 50% of those classified as overweight meet the standards for clinical obesity, which is linked to health issues like high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine*, advocates for a broader approach to obesity diagnosis that includes measurements such as waist circumference and DEXA scans, rather than relying solely on BMI. Lead author Brian Lee highlights that many individuals may not receive necessary care due to the traditional focus on BMI. Current obesity treatments, including medications and bariatric surgery, are typically reserved for those meeting classic obesity criteria, leaving a gap in understanding how to treat those with normal BMI but excess fat. The researchers call for prospective studies to explore effective treatments for this population.