Normal-Weight Central Obesity Could Raise Health Risks
Young adults with a healthy BMI may have higher risks of heart issues if they have excess abdominal fat.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Weight Loss
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A new global study finds that nearly 1 in 5 young adults with a healthy body mass index (BMI) possess excess abdominal fat. This condition, known as normal-weight central obesity, was linked to higher risks of chronic health issues in a review of data collected between 2010 and 2023.
Why it matters
Conventional BMI measures fail to detect central adiposity, which can mask potential health risks in individuals who appear to have a healthy weight. Identifying this hidden fat distribution is critical for understanding cardiometabolic health and early prevention of hypertension and diabetes.
This meta-analysis of WHO STEPS data covering 60,618 individuals found an 18.8% prevalence of normal-weight central obesity. Researchers associated the condition with significantly higher odds of hypertension (1.28), diabetes (1.36), and elevated cholesterol (1.90) versus those without it.
The players
World Health Organization
The international agency responsible for public health that manages the global STEPS survey used in this analysis.
The details
Central obesity is defined by a waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or greater, which indicates significant fat accumulation in the abdominal region. Unlike BMI, which only considers total body weight relative to height, this ratio highlights fat distribution that can negatively impact metabolic health. Even at a healthy body weight, this excess fat is associated with increased physiological strain on the heart and blood sugar regulation systems.
Timeline
2010-2023: Data collection period for the study participants.
- 2026-10-30
Publication date of the research article.
Health Landscape
This research utilizes the WHO STEPS surveillance framework to challenge the reliance on BMI as a sole indicator of metabolic health. It highlights a growing shift toward monitoring body composition rather than just weight to better assess cardiometabolic risks in younger populations.
Since BMI may not tell the whole story, it is worth discussing with your doctor whether a waist-to-height ratio or waist circumference measurement is a useful addition to your routine physical. Tracking your waist measurement can help you and your physician identify potential health risks earlier.
The takeaway
Central obesity can exist even in those with a normal BMI, posing hidden risks to heart and metabolic health. Monitor your waist-to-height ratio as a simple health metric and discuss its significance with your primary care physician during your next checkup.
Further reading
For more on managing metabolic health and weight, see our Weight Loss section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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