• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2009

Metabolically obese but normal weight(MONW) syndrome is characterized, with potentially increased risks for development of the insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome despite their normal body mass index(BMI) < 25 kg/m2. Such characteristics could confer upon MONW individuals a type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases(CVD) risk however, research on MONW is scarce. MONW individuals have metabolic disturbances typical of obese persons and are identified by having a high amount of visceral fat, a low BMI, a high fat mass, a low lean body mass, low insulin sensitivity, and high triglyceride concentrations. The purpose of this study is to review several markers as potential modulators in individuals displaying the "MONW". Body fat appears to be functionally comparable with a dynamic endocrine organ, producing and secreting various adipocy tokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, CRP, tumor necrosis factor(TNF-), interleukin(IL)-6, all of which play an important role in the onset of cardiovascular disease, and insulin resistance. Otherwise, physical activity and a lower inflammation state might be helped to reduce the number of persons at risk of diabetes, CVD complications, or premature mortality. We should provide a method to optimal treatments resolving the emerging public health problem to prevention of MONW by providing guideline for physical activity as an optimal treatment for the MONW Korean. Furthermore we expect to develop a new strategy to manage MONW Korean in this society in terms of reducing medical costs and enhancing public health care for uprising population with MONW.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.93-101
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) phenotype and the association between lifestyle factors and the risk of MONW in Korean adolescents. Methods: Normal-weight (BMI, 5th to 85th percentile) subjects with ${\geq}1$ metabolic abnormalities were categorized as MONW phenotype. Data from adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who have participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1998 (n=751) and 2008 (n=455) were analyzed. Physical activity and dietary intakes were assessed. Results: The prevalence of hypertension and hyperglycemia in 2008 decreased compared with that in 1998 (P<0.001) but the prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL did not changed. The overall prevalence of MONW in Korean adolescents declined over 10 years (P<0.001). Adolescent boys and girls engaging regular exercise significantly increased over 10 years (P<0.01). Physically active adolescents had a lower risk of being MONW in 1998. Dietary intake patterns were not associated with a risk of MONW. Conclusions: The prevalence of MONW among Korean adolescents declined over 10 years which may be due to the decreased prevalence of hypertension and hyperglycemia. The risk of MONW would be lower in individuals who are physically active.