Often when we think about the fat in our bodies, we think about subcutaneous fat. This is the fat we see, the fat under our skin that we try to shift when we want to lose weight. But there is another fat, a more dangerous fat that affects all of us regardless of whether we are thin, healthy or overweight – visceral fat.
Visceral fat is a silent killer, and it’s responsible for many diseases including heart attacks, some cancers, dementia, and diabetes.
So how can you tell if you have it and more importantly how do you get rid of it? Below you’ll find what you need to know about visceral fat and how you can prevent it from getting out of hand in your body.
What is visceral fat?
Visceral fat is fat that is accumulated inside us, particularly in the abdominal area. It’s the fat that wraps around your organs and strangles them. Not so pleasant is it! The danger with visceral fat is we can’t see it, so we don’t know how much there is.
How can I tell if I have visceral fat?
Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat doesn’t move when you are lying down. When you get into bed watch how much your stomach doesn’t move or change shape – this is your visceral fat.
A blood test can also measure your cholesterol and triglycerides, and if high, you will have visceral fat. High blood pressure can also be an indication of visceral fat.
Why is visceral fat dangerous?
Visceral fat can change the way your body works. It can affect hormones and cause inflammation by releasing chemicals that interfere with the natural working of your system. Inflammation is the root of most, if not all disease.
One of the major causes of visceral fat is the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol takes fat from healthier areas like your but and hips and moves it to your abdomen where there are more cortisol receptors.
In the process, it turns your once health peripheral fat into unhealthy visceral fat that increases inflammation and insulin resistance in the body. What’s worse is that this fat around your abdomen leads to more cortisol being produced creating a vicious cycle in your body.
How do you get rid of visceral fat?
Avoiding highly processed foods like white flour and rice (Bum Glue as I like to call it), as well as high sugar foods and drinks will go a long way in getting you into good health. Getting at least thirty minutes of exercise per day, plenty of water and a good night’s sleep also contribute to lowering your visceral fat.
It’s not always easy to reduce stress, however, if you can find ways in which to deal with it, you will help guard against creating more visceral fat in your body. If you want to talk all things stress and how to mange it, email Jen for a free mini consult
Want to find out more about visceral fat?
Want your visceral fat gone? Contact Jen today to book a FREE 30 minute consultation. The program she uses has been proven to work and has been written about in peer reviewed published studies.
