Abdominal Fat: Is It Harmful?

Excess abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat located deep within the abdominal cavity, is associated with many adverse effects on our health. Visceral fat, sometimes causing an “apple shape,” has been associated with an increased risk of death from all causes. Interestingly, increased hip and thigh fat, associated with a “pear shape,” is not so associated. In other words, it is not only the amount of body fat that is unhealthy, but the location of the fat is important.

Visceral fat surrounding the liver and other internal organs promotes inflammation. This adipose tissue releases pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease. Abdominal fat has even been associated with cognitive impairment, according to a study of 250 people in their 60s. Central, or truncal, obesity is associated with an increase in cancer in postmenopausal women; it is more predictive than body weight and body mass index (BMI).

Visceral fat can contribute to hypertension, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Unlike subcutaneous fat stored beneath the skin, visceral fat is metabolically active – it releases hormones and other chemicals that can negatively impact health.

Genetics largely determines fat distribution, as demonstrated in a study of twins. Unfortunately, weight gain and fat accumulation in some individuals means increased visceral fat. Many believe that doing abdominal exercises may reduce visceral fat, but this has been shown not to be the case. The only proven way to decrease visceral fat in predisposed individuals is to maintain a negative or neutral metabolic (calorie) balance through diet and exercise, primarily the former.

Keywords: visceral fat, insulin resistance, inflammation

Note: Although I am a physician, the content in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease in the reader – it is for educational purposes only.

References

1. Carey DG, Nguyen TV, Campbell LV, et al. Genetic influences on central abdominal fat: A twin study. Int J Obes Metab Disord 1996;20(8):722-6.
2. Vispute SS, Smith JD, LeCheminant JD, Hurley KS. The effect of abdominal exercise on abdominal fat. J Strength Cond Res 2011;25(9):2559-64.
3. Printz C. Abdominal fat linked to cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Cancer 2018;124(3):449.