Hi,
I would presume you are referring to the normal weight but metabolically obese individuals, i.e. people who are not defined as obese by BMI or weight but have features of the so-called metabolic syndrome (high lipids, high sugar, insulin resistance, high uric acid, high blood pressure, fatty liver; with increased risk for diabetes and heart problems).
Individuals with a belly, a sedentary life or sometimes genetic predisposition could be included in this category.
Typically, we screen for all those metabolic disorders eg measuring lipids, liver function tests, uric acid, blood sugar parameters, ECG, blood pressure; but I also screen for kidney function, protein leakage and thyroid function, and occasionally other tests depending on patient's history.
Diet and lifestyle modifications like an exercise regimen and occasionally medications can help.
A good weight management programmes that involve a thorough metabolic screen, as well as tailored advice from a dietician may improve many of the body metabolic parameters, hence reducing the risk for metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and diabetes.
It should also empower the patient to make better diet and lifestyle choices after concluding the programme.
I hope this was useful.
Wishing you the best possible health,
Dr Francisco.
