The Waistline Indicator
Chronic inflammation, often lurking unseen, can be a precursor to serious health issues. Dr. Jayesh Sharma, a cancer surgeon with over two decades of experience
in Raipur, offers a remarkably simple and cost-effective way to gauge your risk right at home. He points out that while numerous clinical tests exist, an everyday item – a measuring tape, costing around ₹50 – can provide vital clues. The core of this method involves measuring your waist circumference just above the navel. For men, a measurement below 90cm is generally considered healthy, while for women, it should ideally be under 80cm. To further refine this assessment, Dr. Sharma suggests calculating your height-to-waist ratio. If this ratio exceeds two, it indicates a healthier body composition concerning inflammation markers.
Who's at Higher Risk?
While excess weight is a known factor, Dr. Sharma highlights a specific group at elevated risk of chronic inflammation: those who appear 'thin outside, fat inside' (TOFI). These individuals might have slim limbs but carry a disproportionate amount of abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat that surrounds internal organs. This type of fat is metabolically active and continuously releases inflammatory markers. Beyond body composition, Dr. Sharma identifies several lifestyle and health factors that significantly increase susceptibility to chronic inflammation. These include regular tobacco use, alcohol dependence, diets predominantly featuring processed foods, and those consuming over 70 percent of their daily calories from starch and sugar-rich carbohydrates. Furthermore, individuals struggling with persistent gum infections or experiencing snoring and sleep apnea are also more prone to developing this condition.
