Role of visceral fat and its effects on our body

Visceral fat is stored in a person's abdominal cavity and is also known as 'active fat' as it influences how hormones function in the body. An excess of visceral fat can, therefore, have potentially dangerous consequences.

Because visceral fat is in the abdominal cavity, it is close to many vital organs, such as the pancreas, liver, and intestines. The higher the amount of visceral fat a person stores, the more at risk they are for certain health complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.

Health risks of carrying excess visceral fat:

• heart disease
• type 2 diabetes
• raised blood pressure
• breast and colorectal cancer
• stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease

High levels of visceral fat can result in increased insulin resistance which may lead to glucose intolerance and even type 2 diabetes.

ways to get rid of it:

The dangers of storing excess visceral fat can be extreme and immediate, so it is essential to make diet and lifestyle changes as soon as possible as losing weight can help a person reduce their levels of visceral fat.

• Exercise

Exercise is an excellent way to reduce visceral fat. People should include both cardiovascular exercise, which raises a person's heart rate, and strength training, which improves muscle size, into their routines.

Cardio exercise could include:

• running
• cycling
• swimming
• aerobics
• circuit training

Strength training could include:

• squats
• weights
• pushups
• Reducing stress:stress can also play a role in storing excess visceral fat. This is because when someone is stressed, their body releases a hormone called cortisol, which increases how much visceral fat a person's body stores. 

Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and other stress management tactics, can be beneficial and help a person lose visceral fat more efficiently.

• Diet

A healthful diet that is low in sugar laden, fatty foods will also help a person lose weight and excess visceral fat. A healthful diet should include:

• lean proteins
• fruit and vegetables
• Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, beans, and whole grains.

Bottom line:

Usually, it is possible to avoid high levels of visceral fat by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Those who do store dangerous amounts of visceral fat can reduce their levels by making positive changes to their lifestyle. Changes include eating a nutritious, low-fat diet, increasing the amount of exercise, and lowering stress.