Even people who appear to have a normal weight can face a high risk of diabetes and other health issues. A recent study from the University of Gothenburg found those with a surprisingly high metabolic BMI can be up to five times more vulnerable. This challenges the traditional view of BMI, which only considers height and weight to classify individuals as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Enter Metabolic BMI (MetBMI). This new measure looks deeper, revealing changes in metabolism that might indicate risks even for those within the “normal” weight range. Published in *Nature Medicine*, the study highlighted that people with a higher MetBMI than their conventional BMI can be at greater risk of serious conditions like fatty liver disease, diabetes, and abdominal obesity. It even suggests poorer outcomes following weight loss surgery.
“Our MetBMI uncovers a hidden metabolic disorder that isn’t always visible on the scale. Two people with the same BMI can have totally different risk profiles based on their metabolism and fat distribution,” says Rima Chakaroun, a researcher from the University of Gothenburg.
The MetBMI method used advanced metabolomic analyses. This means measuring hundreds of small molecules in the blood that show how well our body is functioning metabolically. The results provide a clearer picture of individual health than traditional BMI measurements. The study involved 1,408 participants, giving it a strong foundation.
Interestingly, the research also found a link between MetBMI and gut bacteria. People with higher MetBMI showed less diversity in gut microbiota and a reduced ability to convert dietary fiber into butyric acid, a compound associated with lower inflammation levels. This shows the potential of MetBMI as a tool to spot those at risk, even if their BMI seems normal.
Fredrik Bäckhed, also from the University of Gothenburg, noted that traditional BMI often overlooks healthy-weight individuals with significant metabolic risks. “MetBMI can lead to improved, personalized prevention and treatment strategies,” he says.
Another surprising insight is that lifestyle choices and environmental factors play a bigger role in MetBMI than genetics. This means that simple changes in diet, exercise, and gut health can make a difference in one’s metabolic health. As Bäckhed puts it, “The metabolites that affect MetBMI are influenced by gut bacteria, making it a kind of metabolic dial.”
Overall, this research underscores the importance of looking beyond conventional BMI. By understanding metabolic health better, we can work toward more accurate health assessments and tailored prevention strategies. For more details, check out the full study in *Nature Medicine* here.
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Bacteria, Cardiometabolic, Diabetes, Metabolism, Obesity
