Mixed
Obese individuals classified as metabolically healthy (MHO) exhibit lower visceral adipose tissue (vAT) and smaller adipocyte size compared to metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) individuals, which is associated with lower systemic inflammation and preserved insulin sensitivity.
Your waistline and body composition matter more than your total weight. Focus on reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes rather than just chasing a number on the scale. Regular monitoring of metabolic markers (blood pressure, lipids, glucose) is essential, as 'healthy obesity' is not a permanent state and can deteriorate over time.
Several underlying factors have been proposed to explain the healthier profile in individuals with MHO, among which are lower vAT and ectopic fat accumulation (including decreased hepatic steatosis) when compared to the more expandable subcutaneous fat depots [13]. A low inflammatory degree and low immune cell infiltration into AT is also a feature of MHO... MHO subjects were associated with smaller adipocytes relative to MUO controls [89,125].
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple observational and cohort studies establishing the link between vAT/adipocyte size and metabolic markers, though it notes heterogeneity in definitions.
Source
Metabolically Healthy Obesity—Heterogeneity in Definitions and Unconventional Factors
Inês Brandão et al. · Metabolites · 2020
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