The silent health risk of being normal but metabolically unhealthy weight
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Main to remember
- Metabolically unhealthy normal weight is often associated with higher visceral fats, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and abnormal cholesterol levels.
- A normal body mass index does not guarantee good health – all people with normal weight always have risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
- Lifestyle changes, including food, exercise and sleep habits, can considerably improve metabolic health.
A normal body mass index (BMI) does not always indicate optimal health. People may seem healthy weight but always have hidden risks such as insulin resistance or high cholesterol.
What does it mean to be a normal metabolically unhealthy weight?
You can have a normal BRI and always be at risk of serious health problems– This is what it means to be a normal metabolically unhealthy weight (much).
- Munw occurs when your body deals with energy less effectively, even if your weight seems “normal” on the scale.
- People with mow often have more abdominal fat (visceral fat), less fat in their legs, foie gras and changes in the way their body reserves and uses fat.
- Factors such as age, sex, genetics and lifestyle can all contribute to your metabolic health.
- Even if you seem healthy outside, a more in -depth examination of your global body composition (your fat muscle mass ratio), the results of the laboratory and other tests can reveal a different story.
- MUNW raises the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, making it a hidden but essential health problem.
What does it mean to be metabolically unhealthy?
Metabolically unhealthy This means that your body does not work properly to transform food into energy, which often appears as abnormal tests and an increased risk of chronic conditions.
The common signs of sub-optimal metabolic health include:
If you have Three or more of these risk factorsIt is known as metabolic syndrome, a red flag for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cerebral vascular accidents.
What is considered a normal weight?
In the context of metabolic health, normal weight is based in part on the BMI.
- A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg / m² is considered the normal beach (for example, someone who measures 5’3 “and weighs 130 pounds).
- But here is the catch. BMI does not tell the whole story– This does not reveal what is happening inside your body or only makes the distinction between muscle, fat and bone mass.
- The BMI cannot determine where the fat is stored, Which is crucial for your health.
- Even with its limitsThe BMI is always widely used because it is simple and useful for identifying trends between large groups.
- However, to really understand your healthYou need more complete information, including laboratory tests, medical history, health behavior, life factors, emotional health and physical examination.
What are the risks for health to be metabolically unhealthy with normal weight?
If you are metabolically unhealthy at normal weight (MUNW), your risk of serious health problems can actually be higher than someone with obesity but better metabolic health. This is why this condition is often called “silent” health risk.
Here is what research suggests:
- Much higher risk of type 2 diabetes: A study revealed that people with much had more than 4 times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to their metabolically healthy and normal individuals.
- Greater chance of dying of any cause: In an analysis of more than four million people, those with Muck had a higher risk of mortality of 47% than those which were metabolically healthy but obese.
- Increased risk of death and events related to the heart: Compared to individuals in good health metabolically suffering from obesity, those who have a normal metabolically unhealthy weight had More than double risk to die of heart disease and Risk 73% higher major heart events such as heart attacks.
- Increase in blood pressure risk: More visceral fat and insulin resistance – common in metabolically unhealthy individuals – can contribute to high blood pressure by changes in inflammation, hormonal activity and sodium retention.
What can you do to improve your metabolic health?
You can take measures to improve your metabolic health, whatever your weight. Small constant lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
- Eat for metabolic balance: Focus on nutrient-rich eating habits, such as Mediterranean Or Dash dietwhich are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. These diets support your metabolism with many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, while reducing processed foods, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Move your body regularly: Regular physical activity structurally modifies the muscles, increasing your energy expenditure and making muscles more sensitive to insulin. Target 150 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity (fast walking, bicycle) and Two strength training sessions every week.
- Prioritize sleep: Sleep and metabolic health are closely linked. Suboptimal sleep affects blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and hormones of appetite, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A short sleep (less than 6 hours) is associated with an increased risk of 15% of metabolic syndrome, while long sleep (more than 8 to 9 hours) is correlated with an increased risk of 19% of metabolic syndrome.
- Reduce alcohol: Excess liver fat aggravates metabolic health and alcohol increases fat surrounding the liver. Reducing or avoiding alcohol is an intelligent decision for your metabolism.
- Consult your healthcare provider: Specific drugs, such as those used to help manage blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol, can benefit your metabolic health. Your supplier can help you decide what is best for your body.



