The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index can serve as a valuable and cost-effective tool for determining chronic disease risk in metabolically obese, normal weight (MONW) individuals, as deciphered from a population-based cross-sectional study. Researchers sought to ascertain the TyG index cut-off values applicable for defining MONW in older individuals, and to determine the utility of these values in predicting chronic diseases.

The study involved 4,721 subjects (age 60 years and above) from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Participants who were not underweight or obese were included. Utilizing metabolic syndrome criteria, MONW was outlined. Calculation of the TyG index was done based on concentrations of fasting plasma triglyceride and glucose. Chronic ailments like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hypertension were diagnosed.

From the lowest to the greatest tertile of the TyG index, the occurrence of metabolic syndrome rose progressively. TyG index cut-off values of 8.88 for males and 8.80 for females were identified as crucial thresholds for defining MONW. Individuals surpassing these values were found to be at profoundly higher risk for chronic diseases such as T2DM, hypertension, and NAFLD.

Thus, the TyG index cut-off values identified in this study proved useful for distinguishing individuals with MONW from older adults without obesity, and for accurately anticipating the likelihood of chronic ailments. These findings represent a substantial step forward in personalized medicine and preventive healthcare, offering novel insights into the complex interplay between metabolic health and chronic disease risk.