Abstract

Obesity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. However, not all obese individuals have an unhealthy metabolic profile and vice versa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different metabolic phenotypes by nutritional status in Chile. Methods: 1,733 individuals from the National Health Survey 2009-10 were included in this study. Nutritional status (obesity or normal-weight) was determined by BMI whereas metabolic profile was determined through four parameters: Glycaemia, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Four metabolic phenotypes were derived, among them: MUNO: metabolically unhealthy and non-obese and MHO: metabolically healthy obesity. Results: The prevalence of MHO in the Chilean population was 3.3% while the prevalence of MUNO was 17.4%. Moreover, the prevalence of MHO decreased as age increased and a greater proportion of metabolically healthy individuals were in the highest gross income group and in the technical-university educational level. Conclusion: This study shows a low prevalence of MHO and a higher prevalence of MUNO in the Chilean population. Future preventive actions should take into account not only the nutritional status, but also the metabolic profile of the population.