Visceral fat has been linked to various health issues. It is one of the two types of fat that accumulates in the body. The visceral fat is the type of fat that is found around the internal organs, such as the liver, stomach, and intestines. Of the two types of fat mentioned, visceral fat is the harmful one. There have been studies regarding visceral fat which proves that it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The visceral fat is well below the skin, particularly below the abdominal wall. This fat surrounds vital organs. However, it is so close to the liver that the liver can actually turn this fat into cholesterol.
If the fat goes through the bloodstream and is collected in the blood vessels, hardening and narrowing arteries, or what is called atherosclerosis might happen. You may be more likely to get health problems from this kind of fat if your waist measures more than 40 inches for men or more than 35 inches for women. This fat is not just a problem for people who have underlying diabetes; it is a problem for healthy adults. It makes it harder for the body to use insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
It is important to understand that the visceral fat behaves like another organ. It has been related to the following health conditions:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Alzheimer’s
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- Dementia
It is very important for every patient to be aware of the dangers of visceral fat. Monitor your body and do not let your body accumulate too much of this fat. There are numerous ways to avoid having visceral fat. You can go on a diet or make yourself busy with physical exercises.