Visceral fat (visceral, internal, active)

Exercise and lifestyle changes in your diet are not only good from a visual point of view, i.e. that we look better, but also from a health point of view, because the body does not only store subcutaneous fat, but also visceral fat that puts us at risk.

Visceral fat is that which is stored in the abdominal cavity and not under the skin (it cannot be palpated) and is therefore stored around many important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines. It is sometimes referred to as "active fat" because research has shown that this type of fat plays a significant role and potentially dangerously affects how our hormones work.

Storing higher amounts of visceral fat is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to glucose intolerance and the development of type 2 diabetes. Scientists have found that this fat secretes a protein called retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), which has been shown to increase insulin resistance. We are also at risk of heart disease, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and alzheimer's disease.

A simple test to see if you are at risk can be roughly detected by measuring your waist. For women, the normal waist circumference is 80cm and 88cm or more is considered to be at risk. For men, the normal waist circumference is 94cm and more than 102cm is considered at risk.

Fat is not meant to be stored around our heart, explains Ruth Loos, PhD, professor of preventive medicine and director of genetics including obesity, but if the body no longer has anywhere to store its fat, it will store it anywhere and find a way (see post image).

You can also see how it works by watching the video (see link). That yellow goo is your fat that won't leave your organs in peace.