What is Latent Obesity?

Latent obesity is a condition in which a person has a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range, but still has an unhealthy amount of body fat. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

- Muscle mass: People with a lot of muscle mass may have a BMI in the normal range, even if they have a high percentage of body fat. This is because muscle weighs more than fat.

- Body composition: Some people may have a normal BMI, but their body fat is distributed in an unhealthy way. For example, people who carry most of their weight around their waist are at greater risk for health problems than people who carry their weight more evenly.

- Age: As people age, they tend to lose muscle mass and gain body fat. This can lead to latent obesity, even if they don't gain weight overall.

Latent obesity is a serious health problem because it can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. If you're concerned you may have latent obesity, talk to your doctor. They can measure your body composition and give you advice on how to lose weight and improve your health.

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of latent obesity:

- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugar can help you maintain a healthy weight and body composition.

- Get regular exercise: Exercise can help you build muscle mass and burn body fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

- Maintain a healthy weight: If you're overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce your risk of latent obesity.

- Talk to your doctor: If you're concerned you may have latent obesity, talk to your doctor. They can assess your risk and recommend ways to improve your health.