Normal weight obesity (NWO) in young women: hematological patterns and their relationship to body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) is characterised by excessive body fat with a normal BMI. This study aimed to assess whether young women with the NWO phenotype exhibit a different hematological profile compared to their peers with a normal body composition. The study included 176 young women aged 18–24 years with a normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²). Based on a previously established cut-off point for percentage body fat (PBF), participants were assigned to the NWO group (PBF ≥ 35.78%) and the control group (PBF < 35.78%). Complete blood counts and biochemical parameters were analysed. It was demonstrated that women in the NWO group had significantly higher values ​​of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets compared to the control group. Significantly higher platelet hematocrit and large platelet counts, as well as higher hs-CRP levels, were also observed. Significant positive correlations were found between body fat percentage and the hematological parameters examined. Based on the results, the NWO phenotype in young, clinically healthy women is associated with subclinical inflammation and prothrombotic potential. Routine hematological parameters may be a cost-effective and readily available tool for early assessment of cardiometabolic risk in individuals with a normal body weight.