#BIA

New research changes how obesity is understood for Thai health planning. A study published on June 26, 2025 in the Annals of Family Medicine finds that body fat percentage (BF%) more accurately predicts both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than body mass index (BMI), especially among adults aged 20 to 49. The findings could influence how Thai clinicians screen for health risks across the country.

For decades, BMI has been the standard metric in Thai hospitals and clinics for obesity screenings, workplace wellness programs, and national health surveys. BMI relies on height and weight and does not distinguish fat from muscle. The latest study shows BF% measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides a clearer picture of long-term mortality risk and is increasingly accessible in primary care.

A groundbreaking study published on June 26, 2025 in the Annals of Family Medicine has revealed that body fat percentage (BF%) is a significantly better predictor of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than the widely used body mass index (BMI), particularly in adults aged 20 to 49. This major shift in understanding could have profound implications for how Thai clinicians and public health officials assess obesity and related health risks across the country.