Visceral body fat can negatively impact your health for several reasons:
Inflammation: Visceral fat is infamous for its role in systemic inflammation. It secretes inflammatory cytokines like tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). TNF-alpha is a crucial component of systemic inflammation and can stimulate an acute phase reaction, while IL-6, in the context of visceral fat, contributes primarily to inflammation. High levels of these cytokines can impair insulin signalling, leading to insulin resistance—a significant precursor to type 2 diabetes. Moreover, these cytokines are implicated in atherosclerosis, a disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries, which can cause life-threatening events such as heart attacks or strokes.
Hormonal Disruption: The metabolic activity of visceral fat also influences hormone function. Visceral fat interferes with adiponectin and leptin, two hormones involved in regulating body weight and metabolism. Adiponectin enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin and plays a role in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Leptin sends signals to the brain to regulate appetite and energy expenditure. When visceral fat levels rise, adiponectin levels tend to decrease, and leptin levels can increase, leading to leptin resistance. This imbalance promotes insulin resistance and can increase the risk of metabolic disorders, contributing further to the cycle of weight gain and poor health.
Glucose Metabolism Issues: Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is more metabolically active and releases free fatty acids into the portal vein, which is directly connected to the liver. Consequently, this can result in impaired glucose metabolism. When there’s an excess amount of these free fatty acids, the liver’s ability to uptake and store glucose is compromised, leading to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Risks: Visceral fat’s secretion of inflammatory cytokines and hormones doesn’t just impact metabolic health; it’s also linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke. The inflammatory response from visceral fat contributes to plaque formation in the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to increased blood pressure and impaired blood flow. This strain on the cardiovascular system significantly heightens the risk of heart-related diseases and events.
Liver Function Compromised: When visceral fat accumulation becomes excessive, it can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition occurs when fat is deposited in the liver, unrelated to alcohol consumption. The concern with NAFLD is that it can progress to more severe liver conditions. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of NAFLD that can progress to liver fibrosis (scarring) and eventually cirrhosis, a severe stage where the liver function is significantly impaired.
Each of these factors underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management to reduce visceral fat levels and enhance overall health.
By maintaining a healthy WHR and reducing visceral body fat, you can lower your risk of developing various obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation. Focusing on achieving an optimal WHR is an important step towards promoting overall health and well-being.
Measuring your WHR is a simple and effective way to assess your overall health. To measure your WHR, you need to take two measurements: the circumference of your waist at its narrowest point and the circumference of your hips at the widest point. Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement to get your WHR.
The waist-to-hip ratio is a useful tool for assessing your health and fitness. Keeping your WHR within the healthy range can help you reduce your risk of developing various health issues. By measuring your WHR regularly, you can monitor your progress and take steps to improve your health.”
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