Visceral fat is biologically different from the subcutaneous fat that is found just under the skin, particularly when it comes to its effects on our health. While subcutaneous fat can be metabolically harmless and even beneficial for insulation and energy storage, visceral fat releases several signaling molecules called cytokines, which can cause inflammation and insulin resistance. These processes can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and other health complications.
Learn More : Even in thin people, having visceral fat carries a range of health risks.
Therefore, it is important to keep visceral fat levels under control and aim for a healthy body composition. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way in reducing visceral fat accumulation, along with other health benefits. In addition, there are various methods that can be used to measure visceral fat levels accurately, such as MRI, CT scan, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Some of these techniques are more expensive and involved, but can often provide more precise results than simpler methods like waist circumference or body mass index (BMI).
It is also important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is unique, and some people may naturally carry more visceral fat than others due to genetics, hormonal fluctuations, or other factors. Nonetheless, monitoring your visceral fat levels can be a valuable tool in assessing your overall health and identifying any potential risks, even if you currently have a normal body weight.
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