It seems paradoxical to describe someone as thin-obese, but it is scientifically and diagnostically correct.
Obesity is a measure of excess adipose tissue (fat) not a number on a scale. The global metric that is generally used for a diagnosis of obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a very blunt instrument and cannot accurately discern between adipose tissue and lean muscle mass or bone density. Therefore millions of people throughout the world are both thin and obese at the same time. Since they appear thin and have “healthy” BMIs, their obesity and risks correlated with obesity can go undetected.
This is a common paradox in India and likely a reason that many people that are at risk for Type II diabetes remain undiagnosed. Early diagnosis can allow for preventive care. Until recently India had more citizens with diabetes than any other nation…today it is only surpassed by China.
