Visceral Fat

Definition

Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds your internal organs and is stored in the abdominal cavity. It's often associated with an increased risk of various health conditions.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Visceral fat is adipose tissue located within the peritoneal cavity, packed between internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found underneath the skin, visceral fat is closely linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

Benefits

• While visceral fat itself is often considered harmful, a certain amount is necessary for energy storage and protection of the organs.

Examples

• Commonly measured indirectly by assessing waist circumference or through imaging techniques like CT scans or MRIs.

Additional Information

• Effects: Excess visceral fat is linked to increased inflammation and insulin resistance, contributing to a higher risk of chronic illnesses.

Related Terms

• Subcutaneous Fat
• Body Mass Index
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Adipose Tissue

References

• Visceral Fat: Relation to Ethnicity, Gender, and Age
• The Link Between Abdominal Obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Heart Disease