Gaby
Fat in our bodies isn’t always a bad thing. Having a certain amount is vital for keeping us warm, providing energy, supplying essential fatty acids, helping our bodies produce hormones, and absorbing necessary vitamins and minerals. However, when we have too much fat, it can become a problem.
Visceral fat (VF) is the term used by medical professionals to describe the white fat that accumulates around our internal organs, particularly around the pancreas, liver, intestines, and heart. The main causes of this accumulation include consuming a high number of calories while leading a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, poor metabolism, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Some people may inherit a tendency for it from older relatives.
Although VF makes up only about 10 percent of total body fat, it’s particularly harmful and linked to serious health problems.
What should you know about visceral fat?
There are several types of fat in the human body: white, brown, beige, and even pink. White fat cells are the most common and are crucial for energy storage. They also tend to accumulate in the abdominal and thigh areas, as reported by IFLScience.
VF is a type of white fat that is sometimes referred to as “belly fat.” It occupies the abdominal cavity, surrounding digestive organs such as the pancreas, intestines, and liver, as well as the heart.
What are the dangers of visceral fat?
Visceral fat poses a risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, asthma, and certain types of cancer.
Any fat in our body is biologically active. It releases hormones and other molecules that can affect the body’s tissues. Compared to subcutaneous fat, VF produces more of these molecules, leading to more harmful effects on our health. For instance, VF releases more cytokines—proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling and are associated with a range of chronic diseases.
Additionally, VF produces proteins that constrict our blood vessels, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
How can you get rid of visceral fat?
An obvious indicator of VF accumulation is a growing belly. Medical professionals say that combating this type of fat can be challenging. People typically lose weight evenly throughout their bodies, so traditional weight-loss efforts may not be sufficient to eliminate excess VF.
Doctors generally recommend a long-term balanced diet and regular physical exercise. They also suggest lifestyle changes: aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, reduce stress, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.
