Can you be considered obese if you have a normal body weight?

As surprising as this may sound, you can have a normal weight, but actually have so much body fat that you're considered obese (a high body fat percentage - greater than 20 percent in males and 30 percent in females) - a situation known as normal weight obesity. And normal weight obesity means you may have the same serious health risks as does someone who is grossly obese.

The real definition of obesity is excess body fat and this excess fat could be visceral fat that packs around your organs (the most dangerous fat). Unlike subcutaneous fat (fat found under the skin that is readily observable) this visceral fat is not observable except with MRI fat mapping. However, it is easily determinable with a bioimpedence body composition test.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in 2006 and 2007 studied 2,127 adults equally divided between men and women who had normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9). The participant's body composition was assessed, and their risk factors for metabolic and heart disease were collected by the U.S. government in its Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. From this data, researchers found that normal weight obesity appears to be highly prevalent, affecting more than half of patients with a normal weight as defined by the BMI (Body Mass Index). And according to a new study of 100,000 people followed for nine years that appeared in Archives of Internal Medicine it was suggested that this is especially true in some adults over 50 years of age who gain belly fat while they lose muscle mass.

The health risks of Metabolic Syndrome include elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, type II insulin resistant diabetes, heart disease and other risks such as stroke, sleep apnea, several types of cancer, arthritis (the list goes on and on).

The BMI fails to distinguish fat from lean tissues such as muscle which weighs more than fat liter for liter. So, someone who is heavier may not be at risk at all, while someone who is considered normal weight may definitely be at risk. Body composition analysis through bioimpedence will make this differential assessment. The StayHealthy BC-l is by far the most accurate way to assess this short of the expensive and invasive Dexa scan and water emersion measurement.

To know if you are at risk for the Metabolic Syndrome find out by coming in for a free consultation on the Ideal Protein weight loss treatment and during the month of May an initial Body Composition bioimpedence test with the Stayhealthy BC-1 will be only $10. That's a 50 percent savings!

Next week I'll cover why someone who is "normal weight" may need to go on the Ideal Protein weight loss program. To schedule your free consultation or to attend our free class on weight loss and the ideal Protein program call (208) 819-1478. Come on Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, let's shape up and get healthy together.