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New Delhi: Health experts issued a stark warning on Wednesday, emphasizing the significant health risks associated with visceral fat accumulation, which occurs around internal organs in the abdominal cavity. According to experts, visceral fat not only increases the risk of heart disease but also heightens susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Visceral fat, distinct from subcutaneous fat found beneath the skin, accumulates around vital organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and intestinal mesentery. Its metabolic activity makes it particularly hazardous, leading to a myriad of health complications.
“Visceral fat is closely linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac ailments, and hormone-related issues like infertility,” explained Mayank Madan, Director of Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “Truncal obesity, characterized by bulging around the waistline, serves as a notable indicator of visceral fat accumulation.”
Vikas Singhal, Senior Consultant in GI Surgery, GI Oncology, and Bariatric Surgery at Medanta, Gurugram, further elucidated, “Visceral fat produces hormones and substances that can trigger inflammation and insulin resistance, paving the way for these health problems.”
Age-related changes in body composition, characterized by a loss of muscle mass and an increase in fat, exacerbate the risk of visceral fat accumulation, Singhal noted. Moreover, Asians, particularly Indians, are predisposed to this form of obesity, with men and older adults exhibiting higher levels of visceral fat.
Contrary to popular belief, individuals of all body types, including those with a seemingly healthy weight, can harbor significant levels of visceral fat. “Even people with a healthy weight can have high levels of visceral fat. This is because visceral fat is not always visible on the outside of the body, and it can accumulate even if a person appears to be thin or in good shape,” Vikas Singhal emphasized.
A waist circumference exceeding 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women may serve as a warning sign of heightened visceral fat accumulation.
To mitigate the risks associated with visceral fat, health experts advocate for a multifaceted approach encompassing a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Exercise, in particular, plays a pivotal role in reducing visceral fat by promoting muscle mass development and boosting metabolism.
As the prevalence of visceral fat-related health issues continues to escalate, prioritizing preventive measures and lifestyle modifications becomes paramount in safeguarding individual health and well-being.
