Beyond BMI: The Obesity Paradox
Mar 07, 2025•13 min
Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Obesity is not just about weight — it's a chronic condition that impacts organ function and metabolic health, requiring more precise diagnostic tools than body mass index (BMI) alone
- Many people with a normal BMI still suffer from severe metabolic dysfunction due to hidden fat accumulation
- Researchers are now pushing for definitions of “preclinical” and “clinical” obesity. Clinical obesity refers to instances where excess fat is actively harming organs or limiting daily function
- Effective strategies that will help address obesity include eliminating vegetable oils, improving insulin sensitivity with the right carbohydrates and fixing micronutrient deficiencies
- Strength training and walking help restore metabolic function by improving mitochondrial efficiency, reducing inflammation and shifting your body’s energy balance toward muscle instead of fat storage