Inflammation is the body's response to damage. It takes many forms. Chronic inflammation is common in overweight and obese people, because their fat cells manufacture damaging substances that trigger a reaction from the immune system's white blood cells. Keeping track of a key biomarker for inflammation, C-reactive Protein or CRP, helps doctors determine whether an overweight patient is at risk for such conditions as heart disease, dementia, diabetes, cancers, and more.