---
title: "Thin-Fat Phenotype"
description: "Thin-fat phenotype describes South Asians with normal BMI but high visceral fat—relevant to Indian GLP-1 thresholds."
canonical: "https://www.kesho.health/glossary/thin-fat-phenotype"
markdown_url: "https://www.kesho.health/md/glossary/thin-fat-phenotype"
language: "en-IN"
---

# Thin-Fat Phenotype

**Canonical HTML:** https://www.kesho.health/glossary/thin-fat-phenotype  
**Markdown:** https://www.kesho.health/md/glossary/thin-fat-phenotype

## Definition

The thin-fat phenotype refers to normal or modest BMI with disproportionately high visceral (belly) fat and lower muscle mass, common in South Asian populations.

## Extended

This pattern explains earlier diabetes and metabolic disease at lower BMI in India. ICMR and RSSDI use lower pharmacotherapy thresholds than Western guidelines. Waist circumference helps identify risk. In India, these concepts appear in RSSDI and ICMR guidance for type 2 diabetes and obesity care—always confirm details with your prescribing physician.

## Learn more

[Full guide](https://www.kesho.health/blog/glp-1-explained-india) · [MD](https://www.kesho.health/md/blog/glp-1-explained-india)

## Related terms

- [bmi](https://www.kesho.health/glossary/bmi)
- [obesity](https://www.kesho.health/glossary/obesity)
- [type-2-diabetes](https://www.kesho.health/glossary/type-2-diabetes)