The fat that lurks just below your skin in much of your body — the kind you can pinch — is called subcutaneous fat. Such padding around the sides, glutes, thighs or upper arms may look cosmetically unpleasing, but it’s actually fairly harmless.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is very harmful. It accumulates deep within the abdominal cavity, where it can’t be pinched, but pushes the belly out. It’s called visceral fat because of the padding around the viscera.
Belly fat, also known as abdominal fat, is a type of body fat that accumulates around the abdomen and waistline. It is also known as visceral fat, which is the fat that surrounds your internal organs.
Excess belly fat is associated with a higher risk of several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a healthy body weight and try to reduce belly fat if it’s excessive.
Some ways to reduce belly fat include:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Exercising regularly, including both aerobic exercise and strength training.
Managing stress levels, as stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to belly fat.
Getting enough sleep, as lack of sleep has been linked to increased belly fat.
Limiting alcohol consumption, as excess alcohol intake has been associated with increased belly fat.
Avoiding sugary and processed foods, which can contribute to weight gain and belly fat accumulation.
It’s important to remember that reducing belly fat takes time and effort, and there are no quick fixes or magic solutions. A combination of healthy lifestyle habits is the best approach to reducing belly fat and improving overall health.
