A person may look slim, maintain what appears to be a normal body weight, and still carry excess abdominal or visceral fat and metabolic risk factors. This is sometimes described as normal-weight obesity or a metabolically unhealthy normal-weight phenotype.
India's Obesity Challenge Is Bigger Than It Looks
A major Global Burden of Disease analysis published in The Lancet estimated that around 180 million Indian adults aged 25 and above were living with overweight or obesity in 2021. If historical trends continue, that figure is forecast to reach approximately 450 million by 2050.
The ICMR-INDIAB national study has highlighted a particularly important characteristic among Asian Indians: metabolic problems can occur at lower BMI levels. Researchers describe an “Asian Indian phenotype” associated with greater abdominal fat, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid patterns, even among some people whose BMI falls within a normal range.
This means looking thin does not automatically mean being metabolically healthy.
What Is Hidden or Normal-Weight Obesity?
A 2026 study focusing on Indian women found that waist-to-hip ratio provided useful information about cardiometabolic risk beyond BMI among metabolically unhealthy women of normal weight.
Someone with a relatively normal BMI may still have excess fat concentrated around the abdomen and internal organs.
Why Indians Need to Pay Particular Attention
Asian Indians have long been recognised as having a tendency toward greater abdominal and intra-abdominal fat at comparatively lower BMI levels. Research has associated this pattern with increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
Factors influencing metabolic health can include:
- Sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity
- Diet quality and excess calorie intake
- Abdominal and visceral fat accumulation
- Genetics and family history
- Poor sleep and chronic stress
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Age and other individual health factors
Look Beyond Weight: Know Your Metabolic Health
Depending on an individual's age, medical history and risk factors, healthcare professionals may consider measurements such as waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose or HbA1c, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Regular health assessments can help identify risk factors that may otherwise remain unnoticed.
The goal is not to create fear around weight. It is to encourage a more complete understanding of health.
Prevention Starts Before Symptoms
Metabolic risks can develop quietly, making regular screening, balanced nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices important for long-term wellness.
At Aayush Wellness, our preventive approach combines healthier everyday habits with targeted wellness support. Aayush Dia Shield is designed to support healthy glucose metabolism and overall metabolic wellness, complementing an active lifestyle and balanced diet.
Because looking healthy is only one part of the picture—understanding and supporting your health from within matters too.
FAQs
Can a thin person have obesity-related health risks?
Yes. Some people with a normal body weight or BMI may still have excess body or abdominal fat and metabolic risk factors.
Is BMI enough to determine whether I am healthy?
No single measurement provides a complete assessment. BMI can be useful for screening, but waist measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid levels and other health factors can provide additional information.
What is visceral fat?
Visceral fat is fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal area. Higher levels are associated with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.
What are common indicators of metabolic health?
Healthcare professionals may assess factors such as waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides and cholesterol alongside medical and family history.
Can metabolic risks exist without obvious symptoms?
Yes. Some metabolic abnormalities may initially cause few or no noticeable symptoms, which is one reason appropriate preventive screening can be useful.
