Which health risks are associated with normal weight obesity?

Which health risks are associated with normal weight obesity?

• A. Increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease
• B. Decreased risk of metabolic syndrome
• C. No change in cardiometabolic risk
• D. Only cosmetic concerns

Answer: (A)

Normal weight obesity happens when someone’s BMI sits in the normal range, but their body fat percentage is high, especially with fat packed around the internal organs. That hidden excess fat drives metabolic problems even though the scale looks fine. Because of this hidden adiposity, risks climb for insulin resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes often show up as dyslipidemia (unfavorable lipid levels), higher blood pressure, and features of metabolic syndrome. Over time, these factors raise the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. So, the combination of a normal weight with high body fat translates into real cardiometabolic risk, not just cosmetic concerns. The other options imply either a protective or neutral stance or limit risk to appearance, which doesn’t reflect the reality of normal weight obesity.

Normal weight obesity happens when someone’s BMI sits in the normal range, but their body fat percentage is high, especially with fat packed around the internal organs. That hidden excess fat drives metabolic problems even though the scale looks fine.

Because of this hidden adiposity, risks climb for insulin resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes often show up as dyslipidemia (unfavorable lipid levels), higher blood pressure, and features of metabolic syndrome. Over time, these factors raise the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. So, the combination of a normal weight with high body fat translates into real cardiometabolic risk, not just cosmetic concerns.

The other options imply either a protective or neutral stance or limit risk to appearance, which doesn’t reflect the reality of normal weight obesity.