Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

INDICATORS OF HEALTH: BMI, BODY COMPOSITION, AND METABOLIC HEALTH 391
INDICATORS OF METABOLIC HEALTH
Metabolic health refers to the body’s ability to maintain normal homeostasis and effectively
regulate measures like blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose. It is assumed that
when an individual is classified as overweight and obese, based on measurements of BMI
and body fat composition and distribution, metabolic health is negatively impacted.
However, some individuals that meet the criteria for obesity do not experience an increased
risk of metabolic health. 7 These individuals are known as “metabolically healthy obese” (MHO).
Metabolically healthy can be described as an absence of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes,
dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
In contrast, there are also individuals who are classified as a healthy weight (BMI < 25) but
show an increased metabolic risk. These individuals are known as metabolically obese normal
weight (MONW).
These variations challenge the assumptions we hold about body fatness. It can not always
be assumed that thinness equals healthy, and fatness equals unhealthy.
ntrast, there are also individuals who are classified as a healthy weight (BMI < 25) but show
an increased metabolic risk. These individuals are known as metabolically obese normal
weight (MONW).
Self-Check
An interactive H5P element has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view it online here:
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hese variations challenge the assumptions we hold about body fatness. It can not always be
assumenness equals healthy, and fatness equals unhealthy.
References:
• Manore, M.M., Meyer, N.L., & Thompson, J.L. (2009). Sport Nutrition for Health and
Performance, 2nd ed. Champagn, IL: Human Kinetics.
• NBHLI. (2013). Managing Overweight and Obesity in Adults: Systematic Evidence
Review from the Obesity Expert Panel. Retrieved October 27, 2019 from
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/managing-overweight-obesity-in-adults
• 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, March 1). About Adult BMI |