Russia's Health Ministry Updates Preventive Care Guidelines, Introducing New Abdominal Obesity Diagnostic Threshold

Russia tightens abdominal obesity rules to lower health risks early

Men will now be diagnosed with abdominal obesity if their waist circumference measures 94 centimeters or more, according to revised clinical guidelines issued by Russia's Ministry of Health.

The update targets visceral (abdominal) obesity, a condition in which excess fat accumulates primarily around the abdomen. This type of obesity is considered particularly hazardous, as it is strongly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

The new threshold has been incorporated into the ministry's recommendations for physicians conducting routine check-ups and preventive screenings. If a patient exceeds the limit, doctors are required to record the diagnosis and prescribe further testing along with lifestyle modifications.

However, medical practice will continue to rely on a comprehensive assessment, taking into account not only waist circumference but also body mass index (BMI), which provides a more precise evaluation of health risks.

Obesity remains a pressing public health issue in Russia: experts estimate that roughly 36 million people—about one in four residents—already meet the diagnostic criteria.

Health specialists emphasize that adopting earlier diagnostic criteria will help identify at-risk individuals at initial stages, enabling timely intervention to prevent the onset of severe illnesses.