Rethinking Obesity: Moving Beyond BMI With Dr Giles Yeo

Obesity management is evolving, and with new insights from The Lancet's Clinical Obesity Commission and NICE guidelines, there’s growing recognition that BMI alone is not enough. While BMI has long been used as a quick and convenient screening tool, it does not account for factors like body composition, metabolic health, and fat distribution. Measures such as waist-to-height ratio and other metabolic markers are gaining attention as more accurate indicators of health risks. 

To help us navigate this shift, we’re joined by Professor Giles Yeo, a leading expert in the genetics of obesity and feeding behaviour. He is a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge and Programme Leader at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, where his research explores how our genes influence body weight and appetite regulation. 

Beyond the lab, Giles is passionate about making science accessible. He serves as Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association, presents science documentaries for the BBC, and hosts the podcast Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat. He’s also the author of Gene Eating and Why Calories Don’t Count, offering evidence-based insights into nutrition and metabolism. His contributions to research and public engagement have earned him multiple honours, including an MBE. 

Show Notes 

X/Instagram: @gilesyeo 

Facebook: Giles Yeo 

Books: 

1. Gene Eating 
2. Why Calories Don't Count