Hidden visceral fat can be deadly – here’s what you need to know

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New analysis suggests people who smoke may have extra stomach fat – particularly visceral fat – in contrast with non-smokers.

Unlike fat you can see on the skin, visceral fat covers inner organs within the stomach. People can even look slim however have excessive visceral fat – and it’s linked with a spread of main well being points, together with a better danger of diabetes, stroke, dementia and coronary heart illness.

According to the brand new research by researchers on the University of Copenhagen’s NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research – who checked out knowledge from research involving 1.2 million individuals who began smoking and over 450,000 lifetime people who smoke – whereas people who smoke typically have decrease physique weights than non-smokers, additionally they have a tendency to have extra belly visceral fat.

Smoking isn’t the one life-style issue that’s been linked with greater visceral fat. So, may you have ‘hidden’ visceral fat, and may you be anxious about it?

What is visceral fat?

Visceral fat is saved deep inside your physique round your inner organs, explains NHS GP and resident physician at MyHealthChecked, Dr Dave Nichols.

“It is different to subcutaneous fat, which is the fat stored under the skin. While some people can have the appearance of being skinny, they can have high visceral fat concentrations, so-called ‘skinny fat’ which puts them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”

How do you know if you’ve bought excessive visceral fat?

It can be difficult to measure visceral fat precisely.

“Some people will use waist measurements as a guide, however, there are people who would consider themselves as ‘skinny’, who have a poor diet and have high visceral fat levels,” says Nichols.

“Other measures which can be used include a waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, or BMI. More expensive methods such as CT and MRI scans, or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA scans) may also be used in certain groups of people.”

What causes visceral fat?

According to Nichols, a mixture of each genetic and environmental (life-style) components causes visceral fat.

“Genetic factors influence how your body stores visceral fat, however, it is the environmental factors that we can have the biggest influence,” he explains. “Environmental factors that affect visceral fat include a poor diet that’s high in fatty foods, smoking, drinking excess alcohol, being overweight and not exercising.

“Some groups are more prone to high levels of visceral fat. These include males, post-menopausal women or those who drink excess alcohol,” he provides.

Why is visceral fat a danger to well being?

High ranges of visceral fat are an indicator of metabolic syndrome and put you at an elevated danger of cardiovascular issues.

“This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance and obesity, which then subsequently increases your risk of heart attack, stroke or type 2 diabetes,” says Nichols.

Can you assist eliminate it?

Nichols says there are numerous issues you can do to assist you preserve your visceral fat ranges wholesome – together with getting common train.“[This should be] at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, spread over four or five days per week,” he says. “Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet” can also be necessary, together with not smoking, avoiding alcohol or ingesting inside moderation. Nichols additionally suggests folks “avoid sugary foods and drinks, and prioritise sleep” for general good well being.