Many people believe that being slim automatically means being healthy, but this assumption can be misleading. Doctors are warning about a condition called 'skinny fat' or metabolically obese normal weight (MONW), where individuals have a normal body mass index but carry high body fat, especially around the abdomen, along with low muscle mass. Despite appearing healthy on the outside, these individuals face serious health risks similar to those who are overweight. The condition is becoming increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity. Experts stress that body weight alone is not a reliable measure of overall health. Hidden visceral fat around vital organs can lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver. Fortunately, lifestyle changes including strength training, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and routine health screenings can help prevent and reverse this condition.
Understanding the Hidden Health Risks of Being Skinny Fat
Dr Ankit Poddar, Consultant Laparoscopy, Bariatric, and Robotic Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains that the skinny fat condition poses significant metabolic dangers. Excess visceral fat stored around vital organs is strongly linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome. Low skeletal muscle mass worsens these problems by reducing basal metabolic rate and impairing glucose utilization. Modern sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, and diets rich in refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, and processed foods contribute to this condition. Inadequate protein intake, poor sleep quality, and chronic stress further accelerate unfavorable body composition changes. The good news is that incorporating strength training, prioritizing balanced nutrition, staying physically active for at least 150 minutes weekly, managing stress and sleep, and getting routine health checks can help reverse this
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