Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is the deep belly fat that wraps around your liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike fat under your skin, this type actively produces harmful substances and raises disease risk.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is metabolically active, secreting pro-inflammatory adipokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and contributing to insulin resistance. VAT area > 100cm² on CT is considered elevated.

Reducing visceral fat — even without major weight loss — significantly improves metabolic health. Exercise and GLP-1 agonists are particularly effective at reducing VAT.