Is your belly protruding and is there fat accumulation around the stomach? visceral fat And it is considered a bad sign for your health. Visceral fat refers to the accumulation of fat between internal organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is located just below the skin, visceral fat poses a greater risk to health as it can lead to various complications. It consists mainly of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides, and its increase is associated with high levels of “bad” cholesterol. It can adversely affect the organs, leading to conditions such as Fatty Liver Disease, high blood pressureAnd heart disease.
What causes fat accumulation on stomach?
According to Dr. Arnab Sarkar, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, “Causes of visceral fat accumulation include insulin resistanceHormonal imbalances (especially in women) and lifestyle factors. PCOD (Polycystic ovary disease) has become a significant contributor to visceral fat gain in women over the past decade. Obesity also plays a role, as individuals with a higher percentage of body fat are more likely to experience organ-related complications.”
Some of the negative effects of visceral fat or belly fat, especially in women, are the following:
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when excessive fat accumulates in the liver, reducing the liver's ability to function properly. Visceral fat is a major contributor to this condition. Fatty liver disease is now one of the most common causes of liver disorders, particularly due to obesity, insulin resistance and poor dietary habits, and can progress to liver failure without intervention.
high blood pressure
According to Dr Pradipta Sethi, Director, Gastroenterology, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata, “Visceral fat can get deposited in the arteries, obstructing blood flow and making the heart work harder to pump blood, leading to high blood pressure (hypertension). This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.”
ischemic heart disease
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of internal fat and plaque. Increased internal fat Cholesterol levels and causes inflammation in the arteries, increases plaque buildup, and increases the risk of ischemia (reduced blood supply to the heart).
insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Visceral fat produces chemicals that disrupt insulin signaling, making this condition worse. Insulin resistance can cause blood sugar levels to rise, eventually leading to type 2 diabetes.
Increase in PCOD
Visceral fat worsens PCOD by contributing to hormonal imbalances. In women suffering from PCOD, excess visceral fat causes insulin resistance, which further increases androgen (male hormone) levels, disrupting the menstrual cycle and leading to problems like irregular menstruation, infertility, and excessive hair growth.
atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. Visceral fat accelerates this process by increasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and promoting inflammation within the artery walls.
Preventive measures focus on lifestyle modifications. Modifying your diet by reducing the intake of fatty oils, trans fats and sugary beverages, avoiding fried foods, alcohol and smoking is important. Regular exercise and proper sleep are also essential to reduce stress and manage fat deposits. Including fruits, vegetables and lean proteins like fish and chicken in the diet can help prevent visceral fat accumulation.
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