Visceral fat is the one we don’t think of, some may not know about, but it has many hidden dangers. Visceral fat is the fat stored in the abdominal cavity and it surrounds several of our major organs a bit like a gel, deep beneath the skins surface.If you have a protruding belly and large waist, that’s a clear sign you’re storing dangerous visceral fat. While it’s most noticeable and pronounced in obese individuals, anyone can have visceral fit, many without even knowing it.Visceral fat is especially dangerous because, as you’ll find out, these fat cells do more than just sit there and cause your pants to feel tight — they also change the way your body operates.
Carrying excess visceral fat is associated with
- Coronary heart disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
Visceral fat is considered toxic because it is capable of provoking inflammatory pathways which can have multiple negative effects including the change of chemical pathways to the brain which regulate mood, appetite, weight and brain function.
Excess visceral fat is caused by our diet, excess fat stores both visceral and body fat closer to the skin. Cholesterol (fat in the blood stream) can also be affected.
Excess visceral fat also makes it harder for someone to lose weight. It has a very close link to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
5 steps to reduce visceral fat
- Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate
- Fill up on non starchy vegetables, fats and proteins
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Prioritise getting good sleep.
