Abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, is a type of fat that accumulates around the organs in the abdominal cavity.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin and doesn’t pose as much health risk, visceral fat is linked to a number of serious health problems.

But when does abdominal fat become a health concern? And what can you do to reduce it?.

What is Abdominal Fat?

Abdominal fat is a type of visceral fat that is found around the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines.

This type of fat is different from subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin and is not as harmful to your health.

Abdominal fat is considered a risk factor for a number of health problems, including:.

Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Alzheimer’s disease

How is Abdominal Fat Measured?

There are a number of different methods that can be used to measure abdominal fat. One of the most common is waist circumference.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men and more than 35 inches for women is considered high and puts you at increased risk for health problems related to abdominal fat.

Another way to measure abdominal fat is by using imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, or ultrasounds. These methods can provide more detailed information about the amount and distribution of fat in the abdominal cavity.

Why is Abdominal Fat a Health Concern?

Abdominal fat is considered a health concern because it is linked to a number of serious health problems.

One of the primary reasons for this is that visceral fat cells release chemicals called cytokines, which can increase the risk of inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Additionally, visceral fat is metabolically active, which means that it plays a role in regulating hormones and metabolism.

When you have too much abdominal fat, it can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate these processes, leading to metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

What Causes Abdominal Fat?

Abdominal fat can be caused by a number of factors, including:.

A diet high in processed foods and sugar
Lack of exercise
Insufficient sleep
Stress
Genetics

While some of these factors are outside of our control, there are steps we can take to reduce abdominal fat and mitigate its effects on our health.

How to Reduce Abdominal Fat

If you have excess abdominal fat, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to reduce it. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and those high in sugar and saturated fat.
Getting regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week. Resistance training can also be helpful in reducing visceral fat.
Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep has been linked to an increase in visceral fat.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. Find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

For some people, these lifestyle changes may not be enough to reduce abdominal fat. In these cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to help manage the condition.

The Bottom Line

Abdominal fat is a major health concern that is linked to a number of serious health problems.

If you have excess abdominal fat, making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can help reduce it and mitigate its effects on your health.