You’ve probably heard that too much body fat, especially the “bad” kind that accumulates around your waist, is a risk factor for heart disease. But even if you’re not overweight, having too much of the wrong kind of fat can be dangerous for your heart.
This type of fat is called “visceral fat,” and it’s located deep below the surface of your skin, surrounding your organs. It’s different from the “subcutaneous fat” that you can see and pinch.
Visceral fat is a bigger health risk because it’s more easily able to enter your bloodstream and clog your arteries. It also releases harmful hormones and inflammation-promoting chemicals that can damage your heart and blood vessels.
Having too much visceral fat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It’s also been shown to increase the likelihood of dying from a heart attack or other heart-related problems.
If you’re carrying around too much visceral fat, the good news is that it responds well to lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are the two most effective ways to lose this dangerous type of fat.
Deep below the surface of the skin lies a type of fat known as subcutaneous fat. This type of fat is relatively harmless, and in fact, serves an important purpose in cushioning and insulating the body. However, there is another type of fat known as visceral fat, which is located in the abdominal cavity and surrounds the organs. This type of fat is associated with a number of health risks, including heart disease.
While it is true that a certain amount of fat is necessary for good health, too much visceral fat can be detrimental. This type of fat secretes hormones and other chemicals that can adversely affect the body. For example, visceral fat has been linked to inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease. Additionally, visceral fat is also thought to play a role in insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
So, how can you know if you have too much visceral fat? Unfortunately, there is no one definitive answer to this question. However, there are a few factors that can increase your risk, including a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in processed foods, and a family history of heart disease. If you are concerned that you may have too much visceral fat, speak to your doctor. They can perform a physical exam and order tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to measure your visceral fat.
When it comes to your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry. So, if you think you may be at risk for heart disease, make sure to talk to your doctor and take steps to reduce your visceral fat.
