Often, we equate being thin with being healthy, but is that really the case? Especially when we are losing weight, we tend to obsess over one thing, which is our weight while neglecting the visceral fat inside our bodies.
What is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat, also known as intra-abdominal fat, is fat stored within the abdominal cavity and surrounds vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, visceral fat is located deeper and wraps around the organs. The presence of visceral fat significantly impacts our health, and excessive visceral fat can lead to various health issues including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and liver diseases.
Why Reduce Visceral Fat?
Reducing visceral fat is crucial for everyone because it affects our health over time. Some people might notice that their weight does not decrease during their weight loss journey. This is often because resistance training increases skeletal muscle mass. If you feel your body shape is improving but your weight remains stable, it might be due to fat loss and muscle gain.
Effective Ways to Reduce Visceral Fat
- Balanced Diet: Consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats while avoiding high-calorie and high-sugar foods.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and 2-3 strength training sessions per week to help reduce visceral fat.
- Good Lifestyle Habits: Regular sleep patterns and effective stress management can help maintain healthy levels of visceral fat.
Visceral fat decreases along with overall fat loss during weight loss. By following a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good lifestyle habits, you can effectively reduce visceral fat, improve your health, and lower the risk of related diseases.
