New 7-8-9 Rule Offers Breakthrough in Obesity Prevention and Chronic Disease Management

Obesity is officially a chronic disease—experts say the new 7-8-9 guideline can help Americans manage weight and prevent life-threatening complications like type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and more.

According to Professor Dr. Huu Dang Tran, President of the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease marks a turning point in public health. Speaking at a nationwide training for over 500 healthcare professionals, he emphasized that obesity is now formally classified under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) with the code E66.

“For too long, we’ve underestimated obesity. Classifying it as a disease allows clinicians to diagnose and treat it properly. This new national guideline is a reliable resource that provides a standardized framework for diagnosis and care,” said Dr. Tran.

Obesity Diagnosis: Start with BMI and Waist Circumference

The guideline outlines four ways to assess overweight and obesity:

Body Mass Index (BMI) – the most commonly used method.

Waist circumference – a simple and effective indicator of abdominal fat.

Skinfold thickness measurements – to assess subcutaneous fat.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) – an advanced scan for fat distribution (less commonly available).

A BMI of 25 or higher is considered obese. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. While BMI is helpful, it doesn’t distinguish fat from muscle—so it can misclassify very muscular individuals as obese.

For a clearer picture, waist circumference is recommended:

Men: Over 35 inches (90 cm)
Women: Over 31.5 inches (80 cm)

Abdominal fat is closely linked to chronic diseases. If your waistline exceeds these thresholds, it may indicate central obesity, increasing your risk for serious health issues.

Daily Exercise Is Key

One of the most effective ways to prevent or reverse obesity is daily physical activity. Dr. Tran encourages at least 30–40 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This is especially important in our modern sedentary lifestyle, where people spend long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens.

“Regular physical activity not only helps control weight but also reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many other conditions,” he said.

The 7-8-9 Rule: A Simple Formula for Better Health

Dr. Tran and the Vietnam Endocrine Society have introduced a memorable guideline known as the 7-8-9 rule. This principle can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

7: Keep your HbA1c (3-month average blood sugar) level below 7%.
8: Keep your waist circumference under 80 cm (31.5 inches) for women.
9: Keep your waist circumference under 90 cm (35 inches) for men.

Why is HbA1c important?
A high HbA1c (above 7%) means poor blood sugar control and can lead to blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage. According to studies, only about 36% of people with diabetes achieve this target, leaving the majority at risk.

Watch Your Diet: Calories In vs. Calories Out

To maintain a healthy weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Dr. Tran reminds people that alcohol, especially beer, is a hidden source of calories.

1g of alcohol = 7 kcal
1g of carbohydrates = 4 kcal
A can of beer contains almost as many calories as a bowl of rice.

Drinking five beers in one evening? That’s the caloric equivalent of five bowls of rice—you’d need to walk for over 2.5 hours to burn it off.

“Alcohol is a major contributor to belly fat and obesity. If you're serious about your health, you need to moderate or eliminate it from your lifestyle.”

A Public Health Message for America

Obesity isn’t just about appearance—it’s a serious chronic illness that shortens life expectancy and leads to a host of other medical problems like:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Stroke
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Certain cancers

By following the 7-8-9 principle, Americans can take simple yet powerful steps to protect their health.

Quick Summary: 7-8-9 Rule for a Healthier Life

7%: Keep HbA1c under 7%
80 cm (31.5 in): Waistline goal for women
90 cm (35 in): Waistline goal for men