NORMAL WEIGHT OBESITY – A HIDDEN THREAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT

🤔 Do you believe that having a “normal” weight automatically means good health? Think again! Many individuals can experience Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) – a complex yet often overlooked condition. 

To understand Normal Weight Obesity and prevent potential health risks, let's explore this topic with MSc. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Anh - Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics. 

1/ What is Normal Weight Obesity, and Why Should You Care? 

🚨 Normal Weight Obesity NWO occurs when an individual has a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5–25 kg/m²) but a high body fat percentage (>30% in women and >20–25% in men). 

❗ Global studies estimate that 10–30% of individuals with normal BMI have NWO. This means that out of every 10 seemingly healthy individuals, 1–3 may suffer from hidden obesity due to elevated body fat levels. 

2/ Who Is at Higher Risk of NWO? 

▪️ Individuals with sedentary lifestyles, such as office workers, teachers, or students. 
▪️ Postmenopausal women or the elderly. 

Other contributing factors include: Stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal imbalances, prolonged medication use, and genetics. 

3/ Why Is Normal Weight Obesity Dangerous? 

💔 Despite having a normal weight, individuals with NWO often have low muscle mass and poor muscle quality, leading to: 
▪️ Reduced physical activity capacity. 
▪️ Increased risks of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. 

Doctors consider NWO particularly hazardous because it is hard to detect, often overlooked, and yet causes health impacts similar to or worse than overt obesity. 

4/ How to Identify Normal Weight Obesity 

✅ To detect NWO early, look beyond BMI and focus on these indicators: 
▪️ Waist circumference: Over 80 cm in women and 90 cm in men. 
▪️ Body fat percentage: Over 30% in women and 20–25% in men, measured using an Body composition analysis by InBody machine. 

InBody machine provide a detailed analysis of body composition, including fat, muscle, water, and visceral fat – a critical factor in cardiovascular risk. 

5/ The Importance of Screening for NWO 

💪 Screening for NWO is crucial to early detection and prevention of related health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Since NWO cannot be identified through BMI alone, advanced methods like body fat analysis and visceral fat evaluation are necessary for accurate diagnosis. 

✅ Regular screenings, especially for high-risk groups, combined with early interventions in nutrition and lifestyle, can significantly reduce health complications and improve quality of life. 

📣 At CarePlus, you’ll receive: 
▪️ Comprehensive body composition analysis using the InBody Machine to understand your fat, muscle, and visceral fat levels. 
▪️ Expert consultation with leading Nutrition Specialists. 
▪️ Personalized dietary and fitness guidance. 

👉 Understanding your body is the key to lasting health! 

📞 Contact our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group