A need to reconsider the definition of 'healthy participants' in epidemiological studies and clinical trials

Abstract

Health is defined as the absence of disease with a state of physical, mental and social welfare.1 Overweight and obesity describe weight ranges that are above the healthy limits, and are frequently assessed by body mass index (BMI) and also by waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage.2 BMI provides a rough estimate of the body fat percentage for most people, with few exceptions as in the case of athletes (it overestimates fat mass) and older people (it underestimates fat mass). Central body fat distribution has been regarded as an important predictor of chronic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.