THE DANGERS OF VISCERAL FAT

In short, visceral fat is belly fat, and while some might associate a plump belly with jolly figures like Santa Claus and Budai, visceral fat is the most dangerous type of fat in terms of health and longevity. Where fat is stored in the body determines overall health risks, and fat in the belly area around your internal organs is the worst type. Visceral fat has been linked to elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and inflammation.

There are many factors that play a role in weight including age, hormones, and genetics as well as more eating and less moving. As people age, muscle mass typically diminishes while fat increases. Less muscle mass means our bodies burn fewer calories than when we were younger. As women age, a decrease in estrogen changes where fat is distributed in the body. This means women may notice an increase in belly fat even if their weight has not changed. These factors can make it even more challenging to keep belly fat at bay. 

However, even people at a healthy weight can have excess visceral fat. That is why increasing muscle mass and enhancing fat loss are so important. Diet and physical activity play a major role in maintaining a healthy balance. This is why our goal at BodyTech is for our clients to increase muscle mass while they lose fat. 

If you are curious about your visceral fat level, stop into BodyTech for an InBody scan today. Our coaches are ready to help you on your journey to healthier living.