New Study Reveals Hidden Obesity Among Those with Normal BMI

New research indicates that individuals classified with a “normal” body mass index (BMI) may still be at risk for obesity-related health issues. A large international study, involving a team of scientists, analyzed survey data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and discovered that approximately one in five people worldwide who fall into the normal weight category exhibit signs of abdominal obesity.

This phenomenon, often referred to as “skinny-fat,” raises concerns about the effectiveness of relying solely on BMI as an indicator of health. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open this month, suggest that many patients may be overlooked for essential health interventions if healthcare providers do not consider additional factors beyond BMI.

Findings from Global Data Analysis

The research team evaluated data from the WHO STEPS survey, which tracks risk factors for noncommunicable diseases across various countries. They examined nearly 500,000 participants from 91 countries between 2000 and 2020. The study revealed that 21% of respondents classified as “normal-weight abdominal obesity” had a healthy BMI but a waist circumference that categorized them as obese.

Participants in this group showed a higher prevalence of health conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes compared to those with both a normal BMI and healthy waistline. The researchers emphasized that healthcare professionals should not rely solely on BMI when assessing a patient’s health risks.

The Need for Comprehensive Health Assessments

The study also aligns with growing calls from medical experts to adopt broader criteria for diagnosing obesity. Earlier in January 2023, a coalition of obesity specialists, supported by organizations like the American Heart Association, proposed that doctors should use BMI alongside other measurements of excess body fat, such as waist circumference.

A separate study conducted earlier this month highlighted similar findings in the United States, revealing that nearly 70% of Americans qualify under the newer definitions of obesity. This includes 25% who have a normal BMI but possess other indicators of excess body fat. Those with what is termed “skinny obesity” face a greater overall risk of health problems than their non-obese counterparts.

The authors of the latest study assert that their research is the first to investigate the prevalence of hidden obesity on a global scale. They advocate for a combined approach to health assessments, suggesting healthcare providers use both BMI and waist circumference to better evaluate cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

The implications of these findings extend to individuals as well, urging people to seek comprehensive health checkups that go beyond BMI measurements. Such evaluations are vital for identifying hidden health risks and implementing timely interventions.