Munaeem's Blog: Why is it worth checking the amount of visceral fat, even with a normal body weight?

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Why is it worth checking the amount of visceral fat, even with a normal body weight?

Visceral fat, also known as "hidden" fat, is fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapped around the organs, including the liver and intestines. It makes up about one-tenth of all the fat stored in the body

. Even in thin people, having visceral fat carries a range of health risks. Visceral fat produces more toxic substances than subcutaneous fat, so it is more dangerous. Having visceral fat in the belly is a sign of metabolic syndrome, a collection of disorders that include high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Together, these increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes

.People with normal BMI can have a proportion of body fat exceeding 30%. If this fat is distributed primarily as central or visceral fat, it is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk. Such people have abnormal adipose

.Visceral fat is dangerous because it is related to the release of proteins and hormones that can cause inflammation. This inflammation can damage your arteries, enter your liver, and negatively affect how your body breaks down sugars and fats. The proximity of the visceral fat to your liver is a particular concern because it can lead to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes

.Therefore, it is worth checking the amount of visceral fat, even with a normal body weight, to assess the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Measuring your waist circumference is a good indicator of how much fat is deep inside the belly

. If you have concerns about your visceral fat levels, consult your doctor, who can use tests such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check for health risks associated with high incidence of visceral fat

Visceral fat is a type of body fat that is stored around the organs in the abdomen. It is different from subcutaneous fat, which is the type of fat that is stored under the skin. Visceral fat is more harmful to health than subcutaneous fat because it can release harmful substances into the bloodstream.

Even if you have a normal body weight, you may still have high levels of visceral fat. This is because visceral fat is not directly related to body weight. It is more related to factors such as diet, exercise, and genetics.

There are a number of reasons why it is worth checking the amount of visceral fat, even if you have a normal body weight.

Visceral fat is a risk factor for chronic diseases. High levels of visceral fat have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Visceral fat can make it difficult to lose weight. When you have high levels of visceral fat, your body may be more resistant to weight loss.
Visceral fat can make you feel tired and sluggish. High levels of visceral fat can lead to inflammation, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms.

If you are concerned about your visceral fat levels, there are a number of things you can do to reduce them. These include:

Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats.
Exercising regularly. Exercise helps to reduce visceral fat by increasing your metabolism and burning calories. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Getting enough sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can increase the amount of visceral fat you store. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

If you are concerned about your visceral fat levels, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend ways to reduce your levels.