Normal weight obesity

Normal weight obesity
Synonyms	Metabolically obese normal weight
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia
Complications	Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome
Onset	Adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetic predisposition
Risks	Family history, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet
Diagnosis	Body composition analysis, waist circumference measurement
Differential diagnosis	Obesity, metabolic syndrome
Prevention	Regular physical activity, healthy diet, weight management
Treatment	Lifestyle modification, dietary changes, exercise
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on lifestyle changes
Frequency	Increasing prevalence in developed countries
Deaths	N/A

Normal Weight Obesity is a medical condition characterized by having a normal body mass index (BMI), but a high body fat percentage. This condition is also known as "skinny fat" or "metabolically obese normal weight."

Definition

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), but a high body fat percentage. The cut-off for high body fat is typically more than 20% for men and 30% for women.

Causes

The causes of normal weight obesity are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These may include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of exercise, and certain medical conditions.

Health Risks

Despite having a normal BMI, individuals with normal weight obesity are at an increased risk of various health problems. These include cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. They may also have a higher risk of mortality compared to individuals with a normal BMI and body fat percentage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of normal weight obesity is typically made through a combination of BMI measurement and body fat analysis. This can be done through various methods, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and skin fold thickness measurements.

Treatment

Treatment for normal weight obesity typically involves lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. This may include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and potentially medication or surgery in severe cases.

See Also

• Body mass index
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes

References

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