The Dangers of Visceral (Intra-abdominal) Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat:

The Dangers of Visceral (Intra-abdominal) Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat:

Do you remember when you were younger & could eat anything & not gain weight? Now, due to our nutritionally bankrupt foods that keep us constantly hungry & craving & environmental toxins that stimulate fat storage, the odds are good that you’re overweight or obese & your weight is increasing each year.

Obesity is now the most important health issue facing the U.S. More than one-third of adults & 17 percent of children & adolescents are obese & these numbers are rising rapidly, according to The U.S. CDC. A recent consumer survey showed that 55% of us are actively trying to lose weight.

The location of body fat is either under the skin, or subcutaneous, or inside the abdomen, or visceral. Subcutaneous fat accumulates primarily in the lower body, often producing a “pear shape” more frequently seen in women. Visceral fat is within your belly (not the fat hanging over your belt) & is associated with the “apple shape” observed more often in men.

Visceral fat is also known as central or abdominal fat and it is the most dangerous form of fat because it raises the risk of serious adverse health effects & chronic diseases including Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes & others.

Visceral fat typically makes up a relatively small proportion of total body fat but it has serious implications on our health because it lays right on top of the liver, kidneys, pancreas & other organs that are necessary for maintaining our health.

Obesity is a complex, dynamic process involving genes & hormones & many other factors. Body fat is considered an endocrine organ because it is metabolically active, is targeted by hormones & secretes hormone-like proteins & other potent chemicals. Visceral fat is especially harmful because it is metabolically very active, causing inflammation within the body & activating cellular pathways that are implicated in diseases.

Visceral fat is also associated with insulin resistance, which is a primary factor in Type 2 Diabetes & other obesity-related conditions. Visceral fat accumulation in the liver is a precursor to Cirrhosis & even liver Cancer.

The cumulative effects result in glucose impairment, increased triglycerides, altered lipoprotein balance & high blood pressure — collectively comprising the metabolic syndrome, a hallmark for Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes & other associated health risks.

Luckily, with Awareness & some effort, visceral fat can be reduced.

Exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle modifications for reducing visceral fat, along with some dietary changes from the typical high fat, high-calorie consumption pattern to one of lower fat & calories.

Increasing dietary fiber & protein have also been proven to promote visceral fat loss. The best source of protein supplementation is whey protein. Some of the many great benefits of whey protein include whey’s satiating (hunger control) properties & its positive effects on metabolism & muscle protein synthesis, which has the additional benefit of stimulating body metabolism.

But beware, not all whey protein supplements are alike. Domestically processed commercial whey products must be Pasteurized, which means they’ve been exposed to high heat & chemicals which kill off all the enzymes & much of the nutritional value & denatures the protein. Look for whey protein that comes from New Zealand & other areas where Pasteurization is not mandatory.

Reducing the number of calories consumed & intermittent fasting have both also been shown to reduce stubborn visceral fat.

So now is a great time to gradually increase your exercise, decrease your intake of dietary fat & calories & increase your fiber & protein. Look for a source of fiber & non-Pasteurized whey protein that comes in a low calorie, nutrition-dense format, along with nutrients that enable the body to cleanse out toxic impurities on an ongoing basis.

#GYMOWNER #NUTRITION #TRANSFORMLIVES

ARTICLE CREDIT: LISA FAY POSSANZA

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