What is Visceral Fat and how do you meaure it?

Visceral fat is a type of fat that accumulates around the organs in the abdominal cavity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found just beneath the skin, visceral fat is hidden deep inside the body and can be difficult to detect. However, the health risks associated with high levels of visceral fat are significant, and it is important to understand how to measure and reduce it.

Measuring Visceral Fat One way to measure visceral fat is to undergo an MRI or CT scan. These imaging tests can provide a detailed picture of the body's internal organs and the amount of fat surrounding them. However, these tests can be expensive and are not practical for routine screening.

A more accessible way to measure visceral fat is to use a waist circumference measurement. A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is considered to be a sign of excess visceral fat.

Another way to estimate visceral fat is through the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scales, which measure the electrical conductivity of body tissues. While this method may not be as accurate as an MRI or CT scan, it can provide a useful estimate of the amount of visceral fat in the body.

Dangers of High Visceral Fat

Why Visceral Fat is Important - Visceral fat is important because it is associated with a range of health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. This is because visceral fat produces hormones and other substances that can cause inflammation in the body and disrupt the body's normal metabolic processes.

Visceral fat, also known as abdominal fat, is the fat stored within the abdominal cavity and around vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, visceral fat is much more dangerous and can have a significant impact on your overall health. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of high visceral fat and how it can lead to serious health issues.

1. Increased risk of heart disease: High levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Visceral fat releases chemicals that cause inflammation, which can damage the walls of arteries and lead to the formation of plaque. This plaque can then narrow the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

2. Type 2 diabetes: Visceral fat is closely linked to insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, the body produces more insulin to compensate, which can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

3. Increased risk of cancer: Studies have shown that high levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This is believed to be because visceral fat releases hormones and other chemicals that can promote the growth of cancer cells.

4. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Studies have found that people with high levels of visceral fat are more likely to develop sleep apnea. This is because the fat can put pressure on the airways, making it difficult to breathe properly.

5. Liver disease: Visceral fat can also have a negative impact on the liver. When there is too much fat in the liver, it can lead to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This can eventually lead to liver damage and cirrhosis, a serious liver disease.

6. Joint problems: Carrying excess weight can put a lot of strain on the joints, especially those in the hips, knees, and ankles. This can lead to joint problems such as osteoarthritis, which can be very painful and debilitating.

7. Reduced life expectancy: Finally, high levels of visceral fat have been linked to a reduced life expectancy. Studies have found that people with high levels of visceral fat are more likely to die prematurely from heart disease, cancer, and other health problems.

In conclusion, high levels of visceral fat are extremely dangerous and can lead to a range of serious health issues. If you are concerned about your visceral fat levels, it's important to take steps to reduce them. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels. By doing so, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing health problems associated with high levels of visceral fat.

We offer coaching virtually for anyone world wide as well as locally come visit us in person for private 1 on 1 sessions