Visceral Fat
It took me just 30 seconds to regain the 40 kilograms of weight I lost over 24 months and just 30 seconds more to realise the damage that excess Visceral Fat was doing to my legs, knees, and back.
Men tend to accumulate more fat in the abdominal visceral depot than women, primarily because men preferentially store dietary fat in this area.
Studies show that men produce more extensive chylomicrons than women, leading to a higher uptake of dietary fat by the abdominal visceral fat.
What Is Visceral Fat And Where Do Men Store It?
This fat is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines.
Unlike subcutaneous fat found just under the skin, this fat can increase the risk of health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
It is often referred to as “active fat” due to its role in promoting severe health problems. To determine if you have excess visceral fat, measuring your waist circumference can be an indicator.
Men with a waist measurement of 40 inches or larger and women with a waist measurement of 35 inches or larger are at risk for related health issues.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and stress management can help prevent the accumulation of excess visceral fat.
What Are The Health Risks Associated With Visceral Fat
The health risks associated with this fat include a range of serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, dementia, asthma, liver disease, gall bladder disease, gout, fertility problems, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis.
This fat is linked to metabolic disturbances and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
It produces toxic substances that can be harmful to the body and is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat.
Individuals with excess fat are at a higher risk of developing various chronic diseases due to the inflammatory effects and hormonal imbalances caused by this type of fat.
How Does Visceral Fat Differ From Subcutaneous Fat
It differs from subcutaneous fat in several vital ways.
It is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines. At the same time, subcutaneous fat is found beneath the skin and can be pinched with your fingers.
This type of fat is more dangerous to health as it is metabolically active, releasing substances that can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to serious health issues.
In contrast, subcutaneous fat is an energy source, helps regulate body temperature, and provides padding and protection for underlying tissues.
While excess subcutaneous fat is associated with obesity, it is generally considered less harmful than visceral.
