What does it mean to be metabolically obese?

Doctor's Answers 2

Hi,

If referring to the normal weight but metabolically obese individuals, it means 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 a genetic predisposition could be included in this category.

Wishing you the best possible health,

Dr Francisco.

Dr Francisco has provided an excellent answer, so I shall try not to repeat anything, but I would like to add that perhaps you could consider seeking a body plethysmography - this aims to measure body fat and some centres might do CT or MRI scans to look for internal fat deposits.

Most sports medicine centres will be able to provide pre-participation screenings, that look at the things Dr Francisco mentions in addition to a full MSK screen and assessment of your exercise/health goals. We can also provide you with advice on exercise as well as dietary consultations.

Hope this helps with your query.

Bw

Dr Dinesh

Similar Questions

How can one resolve knee pain even after a knee replacement surgery?

Thank you for your question. Persistent severe pain after a right knee replacement is abnormal especially when her other knee replacement was doing fine. I'd strongly advise you bring your grandmom for a checkup and we'll need to do a thorough investigations including X rays, blood tests and advanced imaging (MRI/ CT) to find out what is the cause of this persistent pain. The cause of persistent pain would include infection, implant malposition, cement fracture or referred pain. Only after the cause of the persistent pain is identified then we can talk about the treatment.

Photo of Dr Henry Chan

Answered By

Dr Henry Chan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

How can I screen for and prevent metabolic obesity?

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.

Photo of Dr Francisco Salcido-Ochoa

Answered By

Dr Francisco Salcido-Ochoa

Nephrologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox