There are two primary types of belly fat: subcutaneous and visceral. While neither is ideal in excess, understanding which one you have can reveal key insights into your health risks.
This fat layer sits just beneath your skin and atop your muscles. It's the soft, pinchable fat that creates the "muffin top" spilling over your waistband, love handles, or those pesky "swimming armbands."
Read also: Can you have strong abs without seeing them?
Often called organ fat, visceral fat surrounds your vital organs like the liver and intestines. A modest amount offers protection against impacts, but excess becomes dangerous. It compresses organs, disrupts hormone balance, protrudes the abdomen, and raises risks for high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
You can appear lean but harbor excess visceral fat, earning the term "skinny fat." This hidden fat makes you as unhealthy as someone visibly overweight.
Waist circumference is a reliable measure. For women, stay under 80 cm; above 88 cm indicates elevated health risks. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes—consistent healthy eating and activity—for lasting results.
