Hematological markers of proinflammatory and prothrombotic states in normal-weight obesity (NWO)

Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) is characterized by excessive body fat despite a normal BMI. This study aimed to assess whether young women with the NWO phenotype exhibit a different hematological profile compared with their peers with a normal body composition. The study included 176 young women aged 18–24 years with a normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²). Based on a previously established cutoff point for percentage body fat (PBF), participants were assigned to the NWO group (PBF ≥ 35.8%) and the control group (PBF < 35.8%). Complete blood counts and biochemical parameters were analyzed. It was demonstrated that women in the NWO group had significantly higher leukocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts compared with the control group. Significantly higher plateletcrit and large platelet counts, as well as higher hs-CRP levels, were also observed. Significant positive correlations were found between PBF and the hematological parameters examined. Based on the results, the NWO phenotype in young, clinically healthy women is associated with a subclinical proinflammatory state and prothrombotic potential. Routine hematological parameters may be a cost-effective, readily available tool for early assessment of cardiometabolic risk in individuals with a normal body weight.