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Rest assured, we’re not going to make you sweat through countless sit-ups or promise six-pack abs in time for beach season. Instead, we’re here to discuss a type of belly fat you can't see: visceral fat. This fat nests deep within the abdomen, surrounding major organs, and is linked to an increased risk of developing certain health conditions. What exactly does visceral fat mean for your body, and how can you reduce it? Read on for expert answers to all your pressing questions about this common form of belly fat.
What are the types of belly fat?
As implied above, belly fat comes in a couple of forms: subcutaneous and visceral. “Subcutaneous fat is the ‘pinchable’ kind that sits between your skin and abdominal muscles,” says Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian nutritionist. The fat you can see and feel in other parts of your body—like your thighs—is subcutaneous, as well. Subcutaneous fat stores energy, cushions muscles and bones and insulates the body from cold.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies inside the abdomen—it’s not visible from the outside. Anatomically speaking, it helps create cushioned space between organs such as the pancreas, liver, stomach and intestines. In excess amounts, however, visceral fat is associated with an increased risk of developing certain health conditions.
How does visceral fat affect health?
While all fat produces hormones and other molecules, research shows that visceral fat is unique in producing a hormone that promotes inflammation. An inflammatory response starts when the immune system registers something as a threat, setting into motion a group of processes the body typically uses to combat an infection or heal an injury. Chronic inflammation may increase triglycerides—a type of fat found in blood—making a person more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke, says endocrinologist Robert Eckel, MD. Visceral fat also secretes a protein that heightens the body’s resistance to the hormone insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes over time. People with high levels of visceral fat have a greater likelihood of developing cancers of the breast and prostate, as well.
What causes excess visceral fat?
Multiple factors may play into the amount of visceral fat a person has in their body. One is having a higher body weight in general—this can indicate that a person is carrying excess fat overall, including deep in the abdomen. That being said, note that people with smaller body weights can have high levels of visceral fat, too, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Research suggests that some people may inherit a predisposition for carrying more fat in the abdomen. Lifestyle factors—including diet, sleep and stress—may also influence levels of visceral fat.
How is visceral fat measured?
The most accurate way to measure visceral fat would be to undergo an imaging process like a CT scan or an MRI, but those tests are expensive and generally unnecessary, Kimberlain says. Instead, most medical practitioners rely on a simple waist measurement. While this old-school technique doesn’t differentiate between subcutaneous and visceral fat, or pinpoint the exact amount of visceral fat a person is carrying, most health experts consider it a reliable indicator of a person’s general status, Kimberlain says. According to national recommendations, a waist measurement taken at belly-button level that is greater than 80 cm for women and 94 cm for men indicates a higher level of visceral fat.
How do you reduce visceral fat?
The research on visceral fat may sound daunting—even a little scary—but it’s not all discouraging. In studying the issue, experts have also uncovered some simple measures people can take to reduce visceral fat and improve health, says Tammy Lakatos Shames, a registered dietitian nutritionist. It’s also worth noting that these strategies can support healthy weight management, too! Here’s a closer look at some measures you might consider trying.
1. Move in a way that works for you
Whether you like your cardio workouts quick and super sweaty, or longer and a little less intense, pretty much any regular activity that gets your heart pumping can help keep visceral fat in check, a small 2015 study concluded. This builds on a major 2012 research review linking aerobic activity in general to lower amounts of visceral fat.
Resistance training can be helpful, too, Lakatos Shames adds. “Strength training builds lean muscle tissue, which will increase your metabolic rate so you burn more calories,” she explains. Of course, getting rid of abdominal fat might not be your only workout goal. If you’re just starting out, take a few moments to figure out how much and what kind of exercise makes sense in the context of your life.
2. Fill up on protein
Enjoying lean sources of protein such as lean red meats, fish, poultry and legumes may have a beneficial effect on visceral fat. An analysis of nearly 24,000 adults published in The Journal of Nutrition found that those whose diets were high in protein had significantly less visceral fat (and lower body mass indexes) than those who simply hit the recommended daily intake (RDI) for the nutrient. One possible reason is that protein reduces a hunger hormone called ghrelin and increases satiety hormones, Lakatos Shames says, a dual effect that may reduce overall kilojoule (calorie) intake. Protein is also key for building that lean muscle mass we just mentioned.
The RDI for protein—in other words, the amount needed for basic human functioning—is 0.75 grams per kg of bodyweight for most women and 0.84 grams per kg of bodyweight for most men. Therefore, for a female who weighs 65 kg, this equates to ~49 grams of protein per day—about what you’d get in two large eggs (14 grams); 1 cup of cooked lentils (14 grams); and one 80 gram serving skinless chicken breast (24 grams). In the study mentioned above, high-protein diets were defined as 1.0 to 1.5 g of protein per kg. Just note that it’s advisable to consult a registered dietitian or doctor before making any big changes to the nutrient balance of your diet, especially if you are living with a health condition.
3. Go easy on soft drink and alcohol
In some cases, belly fat may be a reflection of beverage intake. In one long-term study of more than 1,000 adults, published in Circulation, those who sipped sugar-sweetened soft drinks every day had significantly more visceral fat after six years than adults who rarely or never drank sugary soft drinks. To get the sweet and bubbly combo, try sparkling water infused with fresh fruit or herbs instead.
Alcohol such as wine, beer and cocktails are drinks to consider, as well—particularly in how they are consumed, research suggests. In a study of drinking patterns among more than 2,300 adults, moderate drinkers who sipped four alcoholic drinks within a single day per week were more likely to have excess abdominal fat than people who spread an equal number of drinks over several days.
4. Make sleep a priority
It’s generally simple enough to bounce back from a single night of staying up to too late or tossing and turning. But things get tricky when sleep deprivation becomes a pattern, Lakatos Shames says. A sample of 400 women analysed in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that subjects who tended to sleep for six or fewer hours per night were significantly more likely to have large waist measurements than those who logged more hours of sleep.
While there’s no magic number that equals a perfect night’s sleep for everyone, most adults need 7 to 9 hours per night to function at their best. Overcoming sleep obstacles sometimes takes a bit of trial and error. A few general practices shown to be useful include establishing a consistent bedtime, winding down with a relaxing activity 30 to 60 minutes before going to sleep and avoiding digital devices.
5. Try to manage stress
Stress affects everyone differently and for some people, the body may respond in a way that adds to visceral fat stores. Research has uncovered a connection between higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol and larger waist circumference. Stress may also affect eating patterns in ways that promote weight gain.
For most of us, effectively managing stress requires more than just taking a deep breath or two. Some potentially useful steps for coping include recognising patterns of stress, establishing calming routines and speaking to yourself in ways that empower—not overwhelm—you.
Bottom line: Reducing visceral fat is possible
For many people, simple lifestyle adjustments—including getting more physical activity, facilitating better sleep and figuring out healthy ways to cope with stress—can help reduce visceral fat deep within the abdomen. Reducing this form of belly fat is linked with a lower likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other health concerns down the line. These measures can also help you feel your best on a more everyday level—a win-win for health.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for guidance from your healthcare provider.