Beyond BMI: The Hidden Risks of Normal-Weight Obesity in Women

Body mass index (BMI) is widely used to assess obesity, but it does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass or account for fat distribution. Consequently, individuals with a normal BMI may still have excess body fat and an increased risk of metabolic and musculoskeletal disorders.

In a narrative review published in May 2026 in Women's Health, Frost and colleagues explored the consequences of normal-weight obesity (NWO) across the female lifespan, focusing on hormonal changes, metabolic health, skeletal muscle and bone integrity.