UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH RISKS OF VISCERAL FAT AND HOW TO COMBAT IT

WHEN it comes to weight, we often focus on what we see in the mirror, pinching an inch of fat or struggling to fit into our favourite jeans.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

DISCOVER the dangers of visceral fat, the hidden health risk that can lead to serious diseases.

(Pexels)

But what if I told you the most dangerous fat in your body isn’t visible?

This hidden health risk is called visceral fat, and it’s silently wreaking havoc on millions of people worldwide.

Let's break it down: what is visceral fat, why is it so harmful, how do we accumulate it, and most importantly, how can we fight back?

Visceral fat is the deep, internal fat that wraps around your vital organs, including your liver, pancreas, and intestines.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which sits just under the skin and is easier to see, visceral fat is buried within your abdominal cavity. Think of it as the dangerous “invisible enemy” most of us don't even realise we have.

While a certain amount of visceral fat is normal and even essential for cushioning your organs, too much of it can act like a ticking time bomb inside your body.

The hidden health risks of visceral fat

The harm caused by visceral fat isn’t just skin-deep; it runs far deeper. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are among the leading causes of death globally, and visceral fat plays a major role in these illnesses.

This fat is biologically active, releasing hormones and inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, which can damage your arteries, disrupt your metabolism and increase your risk of: