21/10/2026
Someone can look fit, have a flat stomach, eat well and still have insulin resistance.
How is that possible?
It's partly about what you can't see.
TOFI stands for “Thin Outside, Fat Inside.” It describes people who appear lean but may carry excess fat around their organs or in their liver.
Why does this matter?
→ BMI doesn't tell the whole story. It measures weight against height but cannot distinguish muscle from fat or show where fat is stored.
→ Internal fat can affect insulin function. Excess fat around organs and in the liver is associated with metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance.
→ South Asians may be at risk at lower BMIs. A normal BMI doesn't automatically mean your metabolic health is fine.
→ Look beyond the weighing scale. Family history of diabetes, abdominal fat and abnormal blood sugar or triglyceride levels may warrant further assessment, regardless of weight.
What can you do to support insulin sensitivity?
→ Pair carbohydrates with protein and fibre. Try dal, curd or eggs alongside rice or poha.
→ Limit sugary drinks, including sweetened chai and fruit juice.
→ Walk for 10 minutes after meals and include regular physical activity, especially strength training.
→ Prioritise adequate sleep and manage stress.
The real goal isn't simply to lose kilos. It's to improve metabolic health.
Someone can be heavier and metabolically healthy, while someone who looks slim may have underlying metabolic issues.
Your weight is one piece of information, not the whole picture.
[Insulin resistance, TOFI, metabolic health, visceral fat, liver fat, blood sugar, diabetes prevention, South Asian health, insulin sensitivity, nutrition education]