Chennai, 21 July (H.S.) : A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that approximately 43% of Indians with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25 are metabolically obese.

This finding highlights the growing concern of metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) individuals in India. According to the study, these individuals are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, despite having a normal BMI.

The ICMR study emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to assessing obesity, beyond just BMI. Metabolic obesity is characterized by the presence of metabolic risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid profiles, even in individuals with a normal weight.

The study's findings suggest that Indians may be more prone to metabolic obesity due to genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits. This has significant implications for public health policy and disease prevention strategies in India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary