Visceral Fat: Healthy or not?

Rajasree Roy

Doctors say it is healthy to have some fat in the belly also have some body fat. But all fats are not equal obviously. Visceral fat is a type of body that is stored within the abdominal cavity. It’s usually located near several vital organs like the Liver, Stomach, Arteries, etc. 

This visceral fat is sometimes called active fat as it can actively increase the risk of serious health problems. In this case, if you have some paunch fat, that is not really visceral fat. Tummy fat can likewise be subcutaneous fat, which is put away under the skin. Whatever obesity comes from this fat, is called Abdominal obesity. 

How to diagnosis abdominal obesity?

CT or an MRI scan is the only way to definitively diagnose visceral fat. But However, these are expensive and time-consuming procedures.

So instead of that, healthcare experts typically use general guidelines to evaluate your visceral fat and the health risks it poses to your body. They usually keep track of weight gain and loss, daily activities, diet, etc. 

How harmful is this Visceral Fat?

The report of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates, in case you’re a lady and your distances are around 35 inches or bigger, you’re in danger of medical issues from instinctive fat. And Men are at risk of danger for health problems when their waist measures 40 inches or larger.

Visceral fat is not as harmful as cancer or some complicated diseases. But complicated visceral fat can be harmful sometimes. It can increase insulin resistance, even if you are not a diabetic or prediabetic patient.

It can increase blood pressure levels. And it can make a blockage in some organs like the heart, liver, intestines. For this fat you can have: 

  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Liver function problems
  • Breast Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Alzheimer’s disease

Self Treatment: 

Having a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This will help reduce abdominal obesity.

Avoiding saturated fats and big portions may also help. 

Do 50 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity each week to increase weight loss.

Not being lazy and be active all day. 

No smoking and No Alcohol consumption. 

Medical Treatment: 

If you are having serious Abdominal obesity you should consult to doctor and start medication. But if it’s normal you can be on diet and exercise discussing with your Nutritionist or doctor. 

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