•'Skinny fat' refers to individuals with normal weight but high body fat and low muscle mass, medically known as normal-weight obesity.
•This condition, common in Indians, increases risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease due to dangerous visceral fat.
•Experts like Dr. Uday Phadke and Dr. Shashank Shah emphasize that BMI and weight alone are insufficient markers for true metabolic health.
•Indians are more vulnerable due to genetic predisposition ('Thin Fat India' phenotype), higher insulin resistance, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and sedentary habits.
•Reducing risk involves improving body composition through strength training, a protein-rich diet, and regular physical activity, focusing beyond just scale weight.
