Antonino De Lorenzo, Paola Gualtieri, Giulia Frank, Roselisa Palma, Rossella Cianci, Leonardo Romano, Lucilla Ciancarella, Glauco Raffaelli, Laura Di Renzo
{"title":"Normal Weight Obesity Overview and Update: A narrative review.","authors":"Antonino De Lorenzo, Paola Gualtieri, Giulia Frank, Roselisa Palma, Rossella Cianci, Leonardo Romano, Lucilla Ciancarella, Glauco Raffaelli, Laura Di Renzo","doi":"10.1007/s13679-025-00641-z","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review synthesizes current knowledge on Normal Weight Obesity (NWO), a condition characterized by excess body fat despite having a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). It highlights recent findings on diagnostic methods, pathophysiological mechanisms, and health implications associated with NWO.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Individuals with NWO have an increased risk of developing chronic inflammation, cardiometabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and sarcopenia. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in IL-6, IL-1Ra, IL-15Ra, and MTHFR genes, play a significant role in determining susceptibility. Lifestyle behaviors, reduced physical activity and frequent intake of ultra-processed foods, further elevate metabolic risks. Advanced diagnostic techniques, particularly Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), are essential for accurate identification of NWO, as traditional BMI measurements fail to adequately detect this phenotype. Recognition and management of NWO require shifting from BMI-based classifications to detailed body composition analyses. Incorporating DXA into clinical practice is essential for accurately identifying individuals at metabolic risk. Further research should develop targeted strategies for preventing and treating this specific obesity phenotype.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":11.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Current Obesity Reports","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-025-00641-z","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose of review: This review synthesizes current knowledge on Normal Weight Obesity (NWO), a condition characterized by excess body fat despite having a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). It highlights recent findings on diagnostic methods, pathophysiological mechanisms, and health implications associated with NWO.
Recent findings: Individuals with NWO have an increased risk of developing chronic inflammation, cardiometabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and sarcopenia. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in IL-6, IL-1Ra, IL-15Ra, and MTHFR genes, play a significant role in determining susceptibility. Lifestyle behaviors, reduced physical activity and frequent intake of ultra-processed foods, further elevate metabolic risks. Advanced diagnostic techniques, particularly Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), are essential for accurate identification of NWO, as traditional BMI measurements fail to adequately detect this phenotype. Recognition and management of NWO require shifting from BMI-based classifications to detailed body composition analyses. Incorporating DXA into clinical practice is essential for accurately identifying individuals at metabolic risk. Further research should develop targeted strategies for preventing and treating this specific obesity phenotype.
期刊介绍:
The main objective of Current Obesity Reports is to provide expert review articles on recent advancements in the interdisciplinary field of obesity research. Our aim is to offer clear, insightful, and balanced contributions that will benefit all individuals involved in the treatment and prevention of obesity, as well as related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders, gynecological issues, cancer, mental health, respiratory complications, and rheumatological diseases. We strive to redefine the way knowledge is expressed and provide organized content for the benefit of our readership.