Visceral Fat:
Body fat stored within the abdominal cavity surrounds several vital internal organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Visceral fat, often termed ‘active fat,’ has been identified by research as playing a unique and potentially perilous role in hormone function and is linked to a heightened risk of various health issues, including diabetes.
At times, the body fat percentage can be low while the visceral fat level is high.
| Visceral fat level | Level Classification |
| 1 to 9 | 0(Normal) |
| 10 to 14 | +(High) |
| 15 to 30 | ++(Very High) |
Regularly monitoring it is crucial as it reflects overall health and the potential to develop various significant health issues.
Visceral Fat- produces ‘Adipokines’ – pro inflammatory agents (TNF-α, IL-6, resistin, visfatin, adiponectin), causing insulin resistance by blocking Insulin receptors.
The main causes of visceral fat or excessive storage of fat cells around the belly or abdominal cavity includes:
•Poor diet.
•Lack of sleep.
•Inflammation.
•Chronic stress.
•Hormonal changes.
•Consumption of Alcohol.
•Slow body’s metabolism.
•Lack of physical activities.
•Smoking and intake Tobacco products.
•Other Genetic and Environmental factors.
Cause increased risk of following health conditions:
•Type 2 diabetes
•Heart disease
•Breast cancer
•Colorectal cancer
•Alzheimer’s disease
Metabolically active adipose tissue:
•Converts Ovarian & Adrenal androgens to Estrone .
•High Estrone leads to hormonal imbalance in ladies (suppression of FSH & relative increase in LH ) leading to PCOS in predisposed individuals.
Visceral fat located near the portal vein.
•Free fatty acids, released by Visceral fat enter the portal vein hence visceral fat is directly linked with higher total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower HDL (good) cholesterol.
Recent studies by British scientists have shown that individuals with a typical ‘apple’ shape, who carry excess abdominal fat near vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys, are at a significantly higher risk of health problems compared to those with a ‘pear’ shape, who tend to carry weight on their hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Measuring someone’s waist is fundamental because it accounts for critical levels of fat that accumulate in between internal organs and the torso, aka visceral fat or ‘central obesity’. Visceral fat is directly linked to strokes and heart disease.
The Tanita Body Composition Monitor will provide you with a visceral fat rating from 1 – 59. Rating from 1 to 12 Indicates you have a healthy level of visceral fat. Continue monitoring your rating to ensure that it stays within the healthy range. Rating from 13 – 59 Indicates you have an excess level of visceral fat. Consider making changes in your lifestyle possibly through diet changes or increasing exercise. Source : Data from Columbia University (New York) & Tanita Institute (Tokyo)