Normal-weight obesity: implications for cardiovascular health

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2014 Dec;16(12):464. doi: 10.1007/s11883-014-0464-7.

Abstract

We sought to review the epidemiological features and clinical implications of normal-weight obesity. The concept of normal-weight obesity has been recently reported as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysregulation, and poor functional outcomes. However, in clinical practice, normal-weight obesity is not commonly recognized. In this review, we examine the clinical significance and important epidemiological outcomes of normal-weight obesity and describe other variants of adiposity and adiposity-related metabolic status. The incorporation of measures of body fat content and distribution in the clinical setting could allow more accurate identification of adiposity-related long-term risk. This could in turn lead to early lifestyle changes and behavioral modifications that are essential to the treatment of obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Composition
  • Body Fat Distribution*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / classification*
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Reference Values
  • Risk Assessment