5 Signs You Need to See a Doctor About Your Visceral Fat — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you’re concerned about your visceral fat, it’s important to know the signs that you need to see a doctor. Visceral fat is the fat that accumulates around your organs and can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked. Here are five signs that you need to see a doctor about your visceral fat: increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and difficulty losing weight. Knowing these signs can help you take the necessary steps to reduce your visceral fat and improve your overall health.

5 Signs You Need to See a Doctor About Your Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is a type of fat that accumulates around your organs and can be dangerous to your health. It’s important to be aware of the signs that you may need to see a doctor about your visceral fat.

1. Abdominal Pain

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, it could be a sign that you have too much visceral fat. This type of fat can cause inflammation in the abdominal area, leading to pain and discomfort.

2. Difficulty Losing Weight

If you’re trying to lose weight but not seeing any results, it could be a sign that you have too much visceral fat. This type of fat is more difficult to lose than other types of fat, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble losing weight.

3. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common symptom of too much visceral fat. If you’re experiencing high blood pressure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your visceral fat levels.

4. High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another sign that you may have too much visceral fat. If your cholesterol levels are high, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your visceral fat levels.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of too much visceral fat. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, it could be a sign that you need to see a doctor about your visceral fat.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your visceral fat levels. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action to reduce your visceral fat and improve your overall health.

Visceral fat is a hidden health issue that many people don’t know about because it’s not anything you can see or touch. Unlike subcutaneous fat that you can pinch since it’s located under your skin, visceral fat is deep in your belly and it wraps around your vital organs, so you don’t know it’s there, but it is. It’s a major health concern because it’s been linked to stroke, diabetes, some cancers and more. While you can’t see visceral fat, there are ways to tell if you have it and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share five signs you need to seek medical attention for visceral fat. As always, please speak with your physician for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Body fat analysis with electronic bioelectrical impedance scale at weight loss clinic.
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John Angstadt, MD Director of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital tells us, “An increase in visceral fat represents a serious health risk for you.  If your BMI is over 35, it is time to make some changes in your diet and perhaps drinking habits.  Working with medical professionals skilled in the new medications and techniques available for you is the best way to achieve this goal.” 

Doctor with glucometer and insulin pen device talking to male patient at medical office in hospital.
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According to the Diabetes Community, “Carrying a high amount of visceral fat is known to be associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that visceral secretes a protein called retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) which has been shown to increase resistance to insulin.”

high blood pressure
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The National Library of Medicine states, “Too much visceral fat deposits can lead to inflammation and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of serious health problems. It was found that in nondiabetic men, high body visceral fat, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance can cause interconnected abnormalities.”

Kent Probst, personal trainer, kinesiotherapist and bodybuilder with Long Healthy Life says, “Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) may indicate that you have too much visceral fat.  The waist-to-hip ratio is the circumference of the waist divided by the circumference of the hips. The health risks increase as the WHR increases. Under age 60, the health risk is very high for men when WHR is greater than 0.95 and for women when WHR is greater than 0.86.  For people aged 60-69, the health risk is very high for men who have a WHR greater than 1.03 and women who have a WHR greater than 0.90.” 

Doctor measuring obese man waist body fat.
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According to Probst, “Having a large waist circumference may indicate that you have too much visceral fat.  Having a waist circumference over 40 inches (102 cm) for men and over 35 inches (88 cm) for women is an increased risk for hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and premature death.”

Heather Newgen

Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather