Are Women with Normal-Weight Obesity at Higher Risk for Cardiometabolic Disorders?

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic abnormalities in women with normal-weight obesity (NWO) in comparison with lean, overweight, and obese women. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the assessment of cardiometabolic abnormalities of women with NWO compared to lean, overweight, and obese women. NWO was defined as a BMI −2 and a BFP higher than 30%. Anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic abnormality markers (fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and liver enzymes were also examined. Results: Significant differences were observed in HDL concentrations between NWO, lean, and obese participants (p p > 0.05). The prevalence of the abnormal metabolic phenotype was higher in NWO compared to the lean group (4.0% and 24.1%, respectively; p p p p p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Individuals with NWO had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities when compared to lean participants. These abnormalities strongly relate to BFP and waist circumferences