Health experts have identified a unique and concerning health profile frequently seen in people of Indian ethnicity, describing them as being “metabolically challenged.” This refers to a genetic and lifestyle-driven predisposition to developing heart disease and diabetes, often at a younger age and lower body weight than other populations.
A key feature of this profile is a tendency towards central obesity—accumulating fat around the abdomen (visceral fat), even with a normal BMI. This type of fat is far more dangerous than fat on the hips or limbs because it is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory substances and disrupting normal hormone function.
This metabolic disruption leads directly to a specific, high-risk lipid pattern known as ‘atherogenic dyslipidaemia’. This is defined by three key problems: high levels of triglycerides, low levels of protective HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and a predominance of small, dense LDL (“bad”) cholesterol particles, which are particularly effective at clogging arteries.
The danger is that this entire risk profile can exist even when someone’s standard LDL cholesterol number is only modestly elevated. This means that traditional risk calculators can underestimate the true danger for this population. It’s a major reason why rates of premature coronary artery disease are alarmingly high in India.
For individuals of Indian descent, this means that proactive screening and aggressive lifestyle management are not just advisable—they are essential. A focus on a traditional whole-foods diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy waist circumference are critical strategies to combat this inherent metabolic challenge.