Hidden Obesity: Global Survey Links Normal BMI to Rising Metabolic Disorders
LONDON – A newly released global survey reveals a significant and previously underestimated population segment carrying excess body fat despite registering as having a “normal” Body Mass Index (BMI),and this “hidden obesity” is strongly correlated with increased risk of metabolic disorders. The findings, published October 25, 2025, highlight a critical gap in current health assessments and suggest millions worldwide might potentially be unknowingly susceptible to conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver problems.
The study underscores a growing concern that BMI, a widely used metric calculated from height and weight, fails to accurately reflect overall health. While traditionally used to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, the research demonstrates that a significant number of people within the “normal” BMI range possess unhealthy levels of body fat, particularly visceral fat-the hazardous type stored around abdominal organs. This discovery has profound implications for preventative healthcare, as current screening practices might potentially be missing a large at-risk population.The survey data, collected across multiple continents, indicates a need for more comprehensive assessments incorporating body composition analysis alongside BMI measurements to identify and address metabolic health risks proactively.
Researchers analyzed data from a diverse cohort, revealing that individuals with normal BMIs but elevated body fat percentages exhibited metabolic profiles similar to those considered obese by BMI standards. This suggests that focusing solely on weight and height can be misleading,and that body composition is a more accurate indicator of metabolic health. The survey’s findings were retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-global-survey-reveals-obesity-hidden.html.
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