Sure Signs You Have Too Much Visceral Fat — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you’re concerned about your health, it’s important to know the signs of having too much visceral fat. Visceral fat is the type of fat that accumulates around your organs and can lead to serious health issues. Eating the right foods and exercising regularly can help reduce your visceral fat, but it’s important to know the signs of having too much so you can take action. In this article, we’ll discuss the sure signs you have too much visceral fat and what you can do to reduce it.

Sure Signs You Have Too Much Visceral Fat

Visceral fat, also known as “deep” fat, is the type of fat that accumulates around your organs and can be dangerous to your health. It’s important to know the signs that you may have too much visceral fat so that you can take steps to reduce it.

1. You Have a Large Waistline

One of the most obvious signs that you may have too much visceral fat is if you have a large waistline. Men with a waist circumference of 40 inches or more and women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or more are considered to have too much visceral fat.

2. You Have High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is another sign that you may have too much visceral fat. Visceral fat can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your visceral fat.

3. You Have High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another sign that you may have too much visceral fat. Visceral fat can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your visceral fat.

4. You Have Diabetes

Having diabetes is another sign that you may have too much visceral fat. Visceral fat can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your visceral fat.

Eat This Not That

If you think you may have too much visceral fat, it’s important to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber can help reduce visceral fat. Additionally, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can also help reduce visceral fat.

Visceral fat—also known as belly fat—shows up and hangs around the abdomen. It’s not just a superficial issue. Not only does excess visceral fat make your clothes more difficult to fit into, it can also shorten your life. How do you know that you have too much visceral fat? Read on to find out more—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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There are two types of body fat. Subcutaneous fat lies under the skin; it’s the kind you can pinch.  Visceral fat lies deeper, under the abdominal muscles. Visceral fat cells secrete hormones, much like other organs like the thyroid and pancreas. Hormones secreted from visceral fat have far-reaching, negative effects on the body. 

Man and woman holding their bellies while sitting on the bed suffering from extra weight.
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Visceral fat is a major contributor to several serious health problems. The hormones secreted by visceral fat are believed to cause inflammation throughout the body. People with too much visceral fat have a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and dementia, among other conditions. 

measuring belly fat
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Experts say you’re at increased risk of health problems from visceral fat if your waist measures more than 35 inches if you’re a woman, and more than 40 inches if you’re a man. The easiest way to gauge your level of abdominal fat is to use a measuring tape to measure your waist circumference at the belly button. 

person walking on a stone bridge

Experts say that 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise can effectively burn visceral fat. (A nd more is better: Studies have found that increasing your exercise to 60 minutes a day can burn up to 30% of your belly fat over three months.) Resistance exercise is also key. A 2021 review of studies found that resistance training effectively reduces visceral fat in healthy adults. 

Man eating pizza having a takeaway at home relaxing resting
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Experts say that simple carbs and liquid calories are major contributors to visceral fat. Sodas, juices, nut milks, energy drinks—anything which is sugar-sweetened can pack on fat around your middle. So can simple carbs, like those found in highly processed foods and refined grains. Swap refined grains and processed foods for a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and lean proteins.

sleep
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Studies have found that people who sleep five hours or less a night accumulate significantly more visceral fat, and young people who sleep more than eight hours nightly also have more visceral fat. Experts advise getting seven to nine hours for better health overall. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Michael Martin

Michael Martin is a New York City-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview, and many others. Read more