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Visceral Fat: The Hidden Organ Threat
25 Feb
Summary
- Visceral fat deeply surrounds organs and is metabolically active.
- Waist-to-height ratio over 0.5 indicates increased risk.
- Visceral fat is typically the first fat lost with exercise.
Visceral fat, distinct from subcutaneous fat, resides deep in the abdomen, encasing vital organs like the liver and intestines. Unlike the fat beneath the skin, this internal fat is highly metabolically active, functioning similarly to an endocrine organ. It secretes pro-inflammatory chemicals that can increase systemic inflammation. This increased inflammation is linked to serious health issues, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and elevated cardiovascular risk.
Assessing visceral fat risk can be done with a simple waist-to-height ratio measurement; a result over 0.5 suggests increased risk. For more detailed analysis, a DEXA scan is recommended. Encouragingly, visceral fat is generally the first type of fat the body reduces when a consistent exercise regimen is adopted. Simple activities like daily brisk walks, combined with mindful calorie restriction, can significantly lower metabolic risk over time.
