Can You Be Obese But Still Healthy?
October 21, 2025Have you ever wondered can you be obese but still healthy? Most people know that being overweight can cause health problems, but some people who are obese can still be healthy.
This might sound strange, but understanding this concept is important for how we think about weight and health. Doctors use BMI (body mass index) to determine obesity. If your BMI is over 30, you're considered obese, or over 25 for people from Asian countries. Usually, people with obesity develop health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. However, not everyone who has obesity develops these problems right away.
What Is Metabolically Healthy Obesity?
When studying weight and health, doctors have identified three main groups. The first group has normal weight and good health without high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, or blood sugar problems. The second group is called "metabolically healthy obese," or MHO. These people weigh more than they should, but their bodies still function well. They exercise regularly and don't show signs of diabetes or heart disease yet. About 10 to 30 people out of every 100 obese people fit into this group. The third group has obesity plus health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
| Group | Weight Status | Health Status |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Weight, Metabolically Healthy | Normal | No major health concerns |
| Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO) | Obese | No current signs of diabetes or heart disease |
| Obese with Health Issues | Obese | High blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease |
How Long Can You Be Obese and Still Healthy?
It is important to note that being in the healthy obese group doesn't last forever. Studies show that within 6 to 15 years, most people in this group start developing health problems. The reason this happens relates to how extra weight affects the body. When people carry extra weight, especially around their belly, it causes generalized inflammation. The body can fight this inflammation for a while, which is why some people stay healthy even when obese, but it can't do it forever.
If you are metabolically obese but healthy right now, this is actually good news because you have time to make changes before serious health problems start. The best approach is to begin making healthy changes now and talk to your doctor about a plan that works for you.
The encouraging news is that you don't need to lose a large amount of weight to improve your health. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can make a big difference in preventing diabetes and heart disease. Many people think they need to lose 50 or 100 pounds to see any benefit, but even small amounts of weight loss can help your body work better.
Remember, having good health and obesity doesn't mean it will stay like that forever. Now is the best time to address the issue of obesity before problems develop. Work with your doctor to create a plan that helps you lose weight safely and keep it off. Taking care of your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Stay Healthy, Stay Strong
- Dr. Leon Katz
This material is for educational purposes and should be discussed with a medical professional.
Sources:
- Does Metabolically Healthy Obesity Exist? Araceli Muñoz-Garach et al. Nutrients 2016, 8, 320 (https://bit.ly/3z0Vnk0)
- Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Matthias Bluher. Endocrine Reviews, June 2020, 41(3) 1-16 (https://bit.ly/3Xs3iz0)
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Leon Katz MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatrician specializing in non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss. He focuses on patients seeking alternatives to surgery and those needing care after bariatric procedures. Dr. Katz was recently the director of a major medical weight loss program. With extensive experience in establishing successful weight management programs, he now concentrates exclusively on non-surgical weight loss solutions. Dr. Katz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Dr. Katz currently practices at Dr. Leon Katz Medical Weight Loss Center.Read more articles by Dr. Katz! |
