[Metabolic obesity in normal weight individuals and cardiovascular disease]

Since thirty years there is growing interest in normal weight individuals who have metabolic disorders. These individuals are identified as metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW). Insulin resistance, elevated arterial blood pressure, abnormal lipid profile and sedentary style of live are known risk factors of atherosclerosis in general population. On the other hand, increased amount of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue is associated with increased risk of metabolic abnormalities. These abnormalities existing in MONW individuals exert an effect on increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Identification of individuals at risk is difficult not only because no clear definition of MONW is established but also due to common belief that the cardiovascular risk in nonobese is low. The awareness of association of metabolic abnormalities in MONW with atherosclerosis should argue physicians into early screening and modification of cardiovascular risk factors in nonobese individuals.