Normal Weight Doesn't Always Equal Healthy Weight

“Despite appearances to the contrary, more than half of normal-weight Americans have a high percentage of body fat. And, like their overweight contemporaries, this makes them susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, a new study says. Men whose body fat is greater than 20 percent and women whose body fat is greater than 30 percent are suffering from ‘normal weight obesity,’ the study authors said, even though their weight may be normal for their size. These findings should alert doctors that body weight isn't the only way to protect against health problems caused by excess pounds, Lopez-Jimenez said. Even normal-weight people should be advised to exercise and eat a healthful diet to reduce their level of fat, especially belly fat, he added. The findings were expected to be presented Tuesday at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting, in Chicago.”