A leading medical expert has issued a stark warning that individuals of a 'normal' weight or slim build are not automatically shielded from serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Dr Philip Bazire, a medical weight loss specialist on the healthcare platform Doctify, emphasises that a person's Body Mass Index (BMI) alone can be a misleading indicator of true metabolic health. He cautions that many may have a condition known as metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW).
The Hidden Danger of Abdominal Fat
According to Dr Bazire, the core issue often lies not in overall weight, but in the distribution of fat. "The main underlying factor appears to be an excess of abdominal fat, which can occur in individuals who are otherwise ‘slim’", he explains. This visceral fat around the organs is a key driver of metabolic dysfunction, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolism refers to how the body processes nutrients for energy and tissue repair. Good metabolic health means the body efficiently uses what it receives. MUNW describes people with a normal BMI but whose bodies show signs of metabolic strain.
The Simple 30-Second Health Check
Fortunately, a quick and simple test can provide a major clue about your metabolic status: the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). This measurement is considered a more accurate predictor of health risks than weight alone.
Here is how to calculate your ratio:
- Measure your waist: Use a soft tape measure at the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button, at the end of an exhale.
- Measure your height: Stand straight and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
- Divide: Divide your waist measurement by your height. Ensure both measurements are in the same units (e.g., both in centimetres).
Dr Bazire outlines what the results mean:
- A ratio of less than 0.5 places you in the healthy range with lower associated health risks.
- A result between 0.5 and 0.6 indicates an increased risk of health problems.
- A ratio of more than 0.6 signifies a high risk of metabolic-related diseases.
In practical terms, this means your waist circumference should be less than half your height. Common benchmarks are under 94cm (37 inches) for men and under 80cm (31.5 inches) for women, but the ratio is more personalised.
Beyond the Tape Measure: Signs of Good Metabolic Health
Dr Bazire states that true metabolic wellness encompasses more than just measurements. Key indicators include:
Sustained energy levels without significant afternoon crashes, controlled hunger even if a meal is missed, and a body weight within the healthy BMI range of 18.5-25 kg/m2. It also involves a healthy body composition with appropriate fat percentages, maintained muscle mass and strength, and normal blood pressure (under 130/85 mmHg).
Crucially, good metabolic health is reflected in normal blood test results for glucose, cholesterol, and vitamins, an absence of organ dysfunction signs, efficient healing, and no markers of inflammation like elevated C-reactive protein.
"As the warning signs... are mostly non-specific, regular medical check-ups with a general health screening blood test are therefore highly recommendable as we get older", advises Dr Bazire. He also notes that some ethnic groups, particularly Asians, may have a genetic predisposition to abdominal fat accumulation, making body composition analysis even more vital for effective screening.
