Excess weight and obesity are considered serious threats to overall health. Individuals carrying excess weight face an increased risk of various diseases. Studies indicate that obesity triggers physiological changes over time, raising the risk of conditions ranging from insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease to certain types of cancer. This is why health experts advise everyone to keep their weight under control.

But did you know that even if you have a slim physique, obesity could still be hidden internally? It may sound surprising, but health experts warn everyone about this risk.

Experts note that while a person may appear slim on the outside, fat can accumulate internally around the abdominal area. In medical terms, this is known as TOFI—"Thin Outside, Fat Inside." Let us understand this concept better.

Health experts state that even if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is within the normal range, you could still be suffering from internal obesity. High levels of visceral fat in the body can increase the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances. This is why judging health solely based on body weight is not accurate.

What is TOFI?

TOFI means that while the body may appear slim externally, there can be significant fat accumulation internally. Such individuals may have normal weight and BMI readings, yet possess a high body fat percentage. Visceral fat—fat stored deep within the abdomen—is a particular cause for concern. Consequently, you might look perfectly fit on the surface while harboring a risk of metabolic issues internally.

Why is fat accumulated inside the abdomen dangerous?

Visceral fat accumulates around the organs located within the abdominal cavity. It is not merely excess fat; it can also impact the body's metabolism and perpetuate processes associated with inflammation.

High levels of visceral fat increase the risk of insulin resistance and blood sugar irregularities. Consequently, health experts consider fat accumulation around the abdomen to be particularly detrimental to health.

**Risk persists despite a normal BMI**

While BMI provides a general estimate based on weight and height, it does not reveal the total amount of body fat or where it is distributed.

Having high body fat and low muscle mass can increase the risk of insulin resistance. Therefore, even if your weight is within the normal range, it is crucial to pay attention to blood sugar levels and metabolic health.

Health experts advise against relying solely on the reading from a weighing scale to assess your health. It is also important to monitor factors such as waist circumference, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. A balanced diet rich in protein, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, helps control excess body fat and maintain muscle strength.

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