Dangers of Visceral Fat 

We often hear about the health risks associated with built-up fat in the body, but did you know that different types of fat affect people’s health differently? As it turns out, not all types of fat that the body stores are created equal. In fact, some forms of fat are especially threatening because of the ability to spread quickly, impede organ function, and leave a lasting impact on a person’s health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explain what visceral fat is, how it impacts the body, and the practical steps you can take to reduce visceral fat in order to pursue healthy living habits.

Visceral fat is a type of fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines.Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found just beneath the skin, visceral fat is deeper and can be more harmful to your health. Health risks vary from one person to the next based on many factors, including lifestyle, diet, and genetic makeup.

Excess visceral fat can lead to both short-term and long-term health consequences. The most common health risks associated with visceral fat include:

● Metabolic issues: Visceral fat can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

● Cardiovascular problems: Higher levels of visceral fat are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.

● Inflammation: Visceral fat produces inflammatory substances that can contribute to chronic diseases.

Over time, the effects of visceral fat increase and intersect with comorbid health issues. In addition to metabolic and cardiovascular issues, including cardiovascular disease, excess visceral fat can also lead to Type 2 Diabetes, hormonal imbalances, liver disease, and certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.

So, what can be done to slow the spread of visceral fat and halt the physical side effects? Quite a bit, fortunately. Medical professionals suggest a blend of lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as regular physical activity:

● Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-calorie snacks to manage your body weight and reduce fat accumulation.

● Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like brisk walking or cycling) each week, combined with strength training exercises at least twice a week. This helps burn calories and build muscle, which can reduce visceral fat.

● Adequate Sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is associated with weight gain and increased visceral fat due to hormonal imbalances that affect appetite and metabolism.

● Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Chronic stress can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area, due to increased cortisol levels.

● Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can help prevent weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. Excessive alcohol can lead to increased fat storage around the abdomen. Whether you’re set on maintaining your current weight or interested in pursuing weight loss, understanding more about the root cause of visceral fat accumulation empowers people like you to seek answers and take action to support your own health journey.

Complete Medical Weight loss is here to help. At your weight loss visit, we will print an in depth body composition that breaks down body fat percentage, visceral fat and BMI just to name a few. Give us a call at 803-329-8446 for any questions or to schedule your new patient visit.