Hypercholesterolemia associated with erythrocytes morphology assessed by scanning electron microscopy in metabolically unhealthy individuals with normal-weight and obesity

•The size and shape (morphology) of RBC are important indicators of human health.•Metabolically unhealthy with normal-weight and obesity had altered RBC morphology.•Hypercholesterolemia (≥200 mg/dL) increased RBC diameter, height, and axial ratio.•Obesity (≥30 kg/m2) decreased the red blood cells (RBC) diameter and height.•Fast-food consumption was associated with increased RBC diameter and height.