Nitin Kapoor1, John Furler2, Thomas V Paul3, Nihal Thomas3, Brian Oldenburg4. 1. Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: nitin.kapoor@cmcvellore.ac.in. 2. Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 3. Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. 4. Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Obesity has attained pandemic proportions across the world, and its prevalence in developing countries is also on the rise. Nevertheless, there is still a large gap in understanding the reasons behind a disproportionately high prevalence of diabetes as opposed to a lesser degree of obesity seen in individuals of South Asian origin. This research letter highlights the importance of identifying individuals with normal weight obesity, which may partially bridge this knowledge gap. METHODS: We reviewed recently published evidence on normal weight obesity. FINDINGS: Normal weight obesity is a common public health problem and may be prevalent in up to one-third of individuals of certain Asian ethnicities. Literature is emerging on its pathophysiology and association with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. More recently, normal weight obesity was also identified as an independent strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, evidence is particularly lacking on its appropriate management. IMPLICATIONS: Normal weight obesity is an underrecognized yet widely prevalent problem in individuals of Asian descent. Further research on pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic options in individuals with normal weight obesity is needed to appropriately manage this condition.
PURPOSE:Obesity has attained pandemic proportions across the world, and its prevalence in developing countries is also on the rise. Nevertheless, there is still a large gap in understanding the reasons behind a disproportionately high prevalence of diabetes as opposed to a lesser degree of obesity seen in individuals of South Asian origin. This research letter highlights the importance of identifying individuals with normal weight obesity, which may partially bridge this knowledge gap. METHODS: We reviewed recently published evidence on normal weight obesity. FINDINGS: Normal weight obesity is a common public health problem and may be prevalent in up to one-third of individuals of certain Asian ethnicities. Literature is emerging on its pathophysiology and association with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. More recently, normal weight obesity was also identified as an independent strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, evidence is particularly lacking on its appropriate management. IMPLICATIONS: Normal weight obesity is an underrecognized yet widely prevalent problem in individuals of Asian descent. Further research on pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic options in individuals with normal weight obesity is needed to appropriately manage this condition.
Authors: Nitin Kapoor; Stephen A Jiwanmall; Munaf B Nandyal; Dheeraj Kattula; Sandhiya Paravathareddy; Thomas V Paul; John Furler; Brian Oldenburg; Nihal Thomas Journal: Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes Date: 2020-09-16 Impact factor: 3.168
Authors: See Kwok; Safwaan Adam; Jan Hoong Ho; Zohaib Iqbal; Peter Turkington; Salman Razvi; Carel W Le Roux; Handrean Soran; Akheel A Syed Journal: Clin Obes Date: 2020-08-28