• April 25, 2024

Keeping the kilos under control is not a guarantee that the body reserves high amounts of fat that put health at risk. People with a normal weight can suffer from obesity.

Obesity with normal weight is the combination of a normal body weight, with a body mass index of less than 25%, and a high level of fat, explains Francisco López-Jiménez, member of the Cardiovascular Division of the Mayo Clinic.

He adds that there is evidence that a person with normal weight, adequate height but too much body fat can be obese.

In a study conducted by the also cardiologist López-Jiménez, body fat was measured to 15,000 people in the United States through the bioimpedance method.

From this sample, three groups were divided according to the level of accumulated fat in your body: low, intermediate and high.

The research concludes that although everyone had normal weight, the frequency of having type 2 diabetes, metabolic problems or abnormal cholesterol was very high in the group with too much fat and very low among those who had little.

Obesity risk with normal weight

López-Jiménez affirms that it is possible to have a normal weight and a large amount of body fat. Even, there are between 4 and 7 times more likely to suffer metabolic syndrome, compared to those who have little fat.

The risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome, is glucose, high blood pressure and triglycerides, low good cholesterol, as well as central obesity (fat in the abdomen).

Those who have metabolic syndrome have an 8 to 10 times more sensitivity to developing type 2 diabetes. Cerebrovascular events and esophageal cancer. You also run the risk of heart attack (2 to 3 times more) which is equivalent to smoking two packets of cigarettes a day.

Habits that favor the accumulation of fat

The Mayo Clinic specialist points out that there are currently habits that favor the accumulation of fat in the body.

By not getting enough sleep, the body generates substances that produce more appetite and cause more fat to accumulate in the central area of ​​the body, "explains López-Jiménez.

He adds that the abuse of antibiotics, genetic factors, as well as lack of physical activity and a diet high in carbohydrates, fats and sugars favor the development of obesity with weight.

Even if you control your body weight and stay at the optimum level, it is important to change to a healthier lifestyle. Be active every day and have a balanced diet.

Video Medicine: Normal Weight Obesity (April 2024).