Are there healthy obese?

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Medicine

Background:

• A subset of obese individuals (10-20%) exhibit no common metabolic abnormalities.
• The term "healthy obese" designates these individuals, distinguishing them from pathological obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the definition and clinical implications of "healthy obesity."
• To evaluate the risks associated with using "healthy obese" as a synonym for obesity without metabolic complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical definitions of obesity phenotypes.
• Analysis of clinical markers, including insulin resistance, used to identify metabolic complications.

Main Results:

• The definition of "healthy obese" lacks clarity and consensus.
• The clinical utility of "healthy obese" as a distinct phenotype is questioned.
• Morbidity and mortality data for "healthy obese" versus pathological obese subjects are inconclusive.

Conclusions:

• The term "healthy obese" is potentially misleading and its use requires caution.
• Further research is needed to establish clear diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines.
• Healthy obesity may represent a transitional phase towards pathological obesity, with ongoing debate on therapeutic necessity.