What is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat is fatty tissue that sits deep inside your body, around your vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc). This fat is different to subcutaneous fat, fat that sits just under your skin all over your body. High visceral fat can lead to many health implications due to the pressure applied to that particular organ. Imagine putting your hands around any of your vital organs and gently applying pressure for the next 50 years...
When visceral fat is high, there is higher risk of certain conditions which include:
- Insulin resistance
- Glucose intolerance
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
How do you measure your visceral fat?
One simple method is through BIA (bio-electrical impedance analysis) testing - something Vision Personal Training Studios offers through our Evolt 360 Bio-scanning technology. Another simple method, whilst generic and basic, is by measuring the widest part of your stomach - around your belly button. Males with a circumference above 40 inches and females above 35 inches should head to a health care professional.
How do you reduce your visceral fat?
Simply, you need to find out how many calories it takes for you to live (this is different for everyone based on body type, activity levels and body composition) and then reduce your overall intake of calories to just below this. Increase your activity level on top and you'll find yourself in a calorie deficit (expending more than your taking in). All of this is calculated quickly (including what to eat ongoing) in your Vision Personal Training Goal Session - then just follow the plan! High cortisol levels are also known to play a role in the accumulation of Visceral Fat - this is also worth exploring!
If you're worried about your Visceral Fat, get in contact with your nearest Vision studio and receive a complimentary Bioscan. Information is power!
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
