Visceral Fat Rate

Visceral fat, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs.

What do I need to know about Visceral Fat/Belly Fat?

The fat you can pinch is subcutaneous fat (fat that sits just below the skin). Fat inside the abdomen (visceral fat) can be seen and measured, but can't be pinched. Fat that accumulates in the lower body (like a "pear-shaped body") is subcutaneous fat, while fat in the abdomen (like an "apple-shaped body") is primarily visceral fat. According to Harvard Health, 10% of the total body fat is visceral fat. Where the fat goes is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and hormones. Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disorders, increased risk of heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. For women, visceral fat has also been linked to breast cancer and the need for gallbladder surgery.

Research shows that even if weight and body fat remain constant, as you age, the distribution of fat changes, becoming more likely to shift toward the abdomen.How to determine your visceral fat?

Waist Measurement

A good way to determine how much visceral fat a person has is to measure waist circumference. If a woman's waist is 35 inches or more, or a man's waist is 40 inches or more, they are likely to have excess visceral fat.Body composition monitors

It measures a person's visceral fat on a scale between 1 and 59. Visceral fat levels should be below 12. Anything above 12 means you need to consider making immediate changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Healthy

1-12Indicate you have a healthy level of visceral fat.

Continue monitoring your rating to ensure it stays within the range

Excessive

12-59Indicate you have an excess level of visceral fat.

Consider making changes in your diet and/or increase the amount of exercise you do.