Phenotype Catalog

Clinical meaning and prevalence of all six metabolic phenotypes.

MHNW

low

Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight

BMI: BMI < 25

Metabolic status: No metabolic risk factors

Reference group. Maintain current lifestyle.

NHANES prevalence

27.1%

MUNW

moderate

Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight

BMI: BMI < 25

Metabolic status: >=3 metabolic risk factors

Skinny fat phenotype. Normal BMI can hide metabolic risk.

NHANES prevalence

1.2%

MHOW

low

Metabolically Healthy Overweight

BMI: 25 <= BMI < 30

Metabolic status: No metabolic risk factors

Overweight paradox phenotype. Continue lifestyle follow-up.

NHANES prevalence

24.1%

MUOW

moderate

Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight

BMI: 25 <= BMI < 30

Metabolic status: >=3 metabolic risk factors

Pre-obesity risk group and key early intervention target.

NHANES prevalence

6.6%

MHO

low

Metabolically Healthy Obese

BMI: BMI >= 30

Metabolic status: No metabolic risk factors

Obesity paradox phenotype. Monitor carefully over time.

NHANES prevalence

21.6%

MUO

high

Metabolically Unhealthy Obese

BMI: BMI >= 30

Metabolic status: >=3 metabolic risk factors

Classic high-risk phenotype requiring intensive intervention.

NHANES prevalence

19.3%