Is normal-weight obesity reversible?

Yes, very much so, if detected early. Unlike severe obesity, this condition responds well to:

Exercise

Nutrition correction

Muscle strengthening

Can thin-looking people have fatty liver or diabetes?

Yes. Normal-weight obesity explains why some thin individuals develop:

Diabetes
Fatty liver
High cholesterol

Should people with normal-weight obesity try to lose weight?

No. The aim is not weight loss, but:

Fat loss

Muscle gain

Bone strengthening

Excessive dieting can make the condition worse.

Are weight-loss injections or pills useful in this condition?

Weight-loss drugs can
worsen muscle loss
Bone density may decline Such treatments should be used only under strict medical supervision and in selected cases

What type of exercise is most effective?

Strength (resistance) training is the most important:

Improves muscle mass

Strengthens bones

Reduces visceral fat

What dietary changes are needed?

Focus on:

Adequate protein intake

Balanced meals

Calcium and vitamin D

Avoiding crash diets

Skipping meals or eating very low calories worsens muscle and bone loss..

Who is most at risk of normal-weight obesity?

It is commonly seen in women, especially after 35-40 years, Asians (higher body fat at lower BMI), Sedentary individuals, People who diet frequently but do not exercise, Those with low protein intake

What are the health risks of normal-weight obesity?

Despite normal weight, these individuals have higher risk of:

Type 2 diabetes

High cholesterol

Fatty liver disease

Heart disease

Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh

Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.