The silent threat lurking beneath the surface. Discover 10 ways it impacts your health.
Visceral fat isn't the pinchable kind. It's deep inside your abdomen, wrapping around vital organs, and it's far more dangerous than you think.
Visceral fat acts like an endocrine organ, releasing inflammatory substances called cytokines. These cytokines trigger chronic, body-wide inflammation, a precursor to many diseases.
The inflammation caused by visceral fat damages blood vessels. This increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Visceral fat disrupts insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar. This leads to insulin resistance, significantly increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Excess visceral fat contributes to Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can progress to severe liver damage, even cirrhosis.
Studies link higher levels of visceral fat to an increased risk of cognitive decline. This includes conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Visceral fat around the upper airway can obstruct breathing during sleep. This contributes to obstructive sleep apnea, disrupting sleep and increasing health risks.
This dangerous fat can disrupt hormone balance. This includes impacting hormones related to appetite, mood, and even reproductive health.
Research suggests a link between visceral fat and certain cancers. These include colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
The inflammatory chemicals released by visceral fat can exacerbate joint pain. This especially is seen in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Emerging research indicates a correlation between visceral fat and increased risk of depression. The exact mechanisms are still under investigation, but inflammation is believed to play a significant role.
The good news? Reducing visceral fat is achievable! Through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your long-term health and wellbeing.