Diagnostic and prognostic value of adipose tissue content and distribution indicators for normal weight obesity in young women

), using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for detailed body composition assessment. A key achievement of the study was establishing a new cut-off point for body fat percentage (PBF) at 35.78%, which effectively identified individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk. Results showed that 27.3% of participants were classified as having NWO and exhibited higher insulin levels, increased HOMA-IR scores, and a lipid profile indicative of greater cardiometabolic risk, including elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides, alongside reduced HDL-C levels. The android-to-gynoid (A/G) fat ratio emerged as a significant predictor, correlating positively with insulin resistance and negatively with HDL-C levels. These findings highlight the limitations of BMI and underscore the need for comprehensive body composition analysis. Identifying the NWO phenotype early could prompt preventive lifestyle interventions, even in those with a normal BMI.