Visceral fat is one of those sneaky health issues that often flies under the radar. Most of us are familiar with the concept of body fat and how it’s measured in terms of percentage, but what about the fat that’s hiding deep within your abdomen, surrounding your organs? That’s visceral fat, and it’s a key indicator of your overall health, especially when it comes to your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
At BodyView, we believe in providing you with not just the numbers, but the full story. We’ve noticed that many other DEXA clinics don’t fully explain the importance of visceral fat or the impact it can have on your long-term health. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into why visceral fat matters, what it means for your health, and why you need to know more about it—beyond just the numbers you get on a scan. Plus, we'll show you how our exclusive BodyCompPro reports go above and beyond any standard DEXA report, providing you with detailed insights that others simply don’t offer.
What Is Visceral Fat, Anyway?
First things first: let’s break down what visceral fat actually is.
Visceral fat is the fat that’s stored deep within your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs like your liver, pancreas, and intestines. This is different from subcutaneous fat, which sits just under your skin and is the type you can pinch on your tummy or thighs. While subcutaneous fat is generally seen as less harmful, visceral fat is far more concerning for your health.
Here’s why:
It’s metabolically active: Visceral fat isn’t just a passive storage of energy; it’s actually quite active when it comes to producing hormones and chemicals that can impact your health. It releases substances that contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
It’s harder to lose: Visceral fat is more stubborn than the fat under your skin. It can be more difficult to target with diet and exercise, which is why it’s important to track it regularly so that you can stay on top of it.
It’s invisible: Unlike subcutaneous fat, you can’t see or feel visceral fat directly. It’s hidden inside your body, wrapping around vital organs. That’s why even people who appear to be at a healthy weight can have a dangerous amount of visceral fat and not even know it.
Why Most DEXA Clinics Don’t Highlight Visceral Fat Enough
If you've had a DEXA scan at a clinic before, you’ve probably noticed that they give you a report with body fat percentage, bone density, and lean mass. But what about visceral fat? Unfortunately, many clinics either don’t measure it accurately or don’t provide enough information about it.
1. It’s Not Always on the Report
Not all DEXA scans are created equal. Many budget or lower-quality DEXA clinics might not offer detailed insights into visceral fat. They might provide a general body fat percentage and leave it at that. While these measurements are useful, they’re far from enough. Visceral fat is a much more important marker of health, and it deserves to be treated as such.
At BodyView, we ensure that every DEXA scan includes a breakdown of visceral fat levels, so you get a full picture of your health. We don't just tell you that you have fat, but how much of it is in the critical areas and what that means for your wellbeing.
2. It’s a Complex Issue
Visceral fat isn’t as easy to explain as subcutaneous fat, which is why some clinics avoid talking about it in depth. It’s not just about how much fat you have, but also about where it’s stored, how it impacts your metabolism, and how it relates to your overall health.
We understand that talking about visceral fat can be a little more complex, which is why we take the time to explain it properly during your consultation. We want you to know what your scan results mean in the context of your overall health—because visceral fat plays a big role in long-term wellbeing, and ignoring it could be a big mistake.
3. It’s Not Always Immediate to See Changes
Visceral fat isn’t something that’s going to change dramatically after a few weeks of dieting or exercising. It takes time and consistent effort to reduce it. Unfortunately, this can lead to frustration for clients, and some clinics might not want to emphasise that this fat is harder to lose.
We don’t believe in hiding the truth from our clients. At BodyView, we’ll be upfront with you about how long it might take to reduce visceral fat, what methods are most effective, and how you can make gradual, sustainable changes over time. The key is consistency, and understanding what you’re working towards can make the process much more manageable.
Why You Need to Know About Your Visceral Fat
Now that we’ve established that visceral fat is often under-reported or downplayed in many DEXA clinics, let’s talk about why you should care about it. Here are some of the most important reasons why understanding your visceral fat levels is crucial for your health.
1. Higher Visceral Fat Means Greater Risk for Disease
One of the main reasons why visceral fat is so concerning is its connection to a wide range of health issues. Studies have shown that people with higher amounts of visceral fat are at a much greater risk for:
Heart disease: Visceral fat increases the production of fatty acids and inflammatory markers that can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries.
Type 2 diabetes: Excess visceral fat can lead to insulin resistance, which is a major precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure: The inflammation caused by visceral fat can impact your cardiovascular system, raising your risk for hypertension.
Because visceral fat is hidden deep inside your body, you might not feel any immediate symptoms or discomfort. However, over time, its effects can be significant. That’s why getting regular DEXA scans to monitor your visceral fat is such a good idea. With early knowledge of your levels, you can take action to reduce them and lower your risk for serious health conditions.
2. You Don’t Have to Be Overweight to Have Dangerous Visceral Fat
This is one of the most important points to highlight. Many people think that only those who are overweight or obese need to worry about visceral fat. In fact, people who appear to be at a healthy weight can still have unhealthy amounts of visceral fat. This phenomenon is sometimes called “skinny fat,” and it can be just as dangerous as carrying excess weight.
Even if you’re at a healthy weight or body fat percentage, you could still be at risk if your visceral fat levels are high. That’s why it’s so important to get a comprehensive analysis of your body composition, including visceral fat, rather than just relying on your weight or body fat percentage alone.
3. You Can Take Action to Reduce Visceral Fat
The good news is that you’re not powerless when it comes to visceral fat. With the right lifestyle changes, you can reduce it over time. The main strategies include:
Regular exercise: Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have all been shown to be effective in reducing visceral fat.
Healthy eating: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fibre can help support fat loss, including in your abdominal area.
Stress management: High levels of stress can increase cortisol, a hormone that contributes to fat storage around the abdomen. Finding ways to manage stress—such as through meditation, yoga, or simply taking time for yourself—can be helpful in reducing visceral fat.
Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and can directly impact your fat storage and metabolism.
At BodyView, we’re not just here to show you the numbers; we’re here to help you take action. Once we’ve assessed your visceral fat levels, we can offer tailored advice on how to reduce it and improve your overall health.
Exclusive BodyCompPro Reports: More Information, More Insights
At BodyView, we’re not just interested in showing you numbers on a page—we’re committed to providing you with the full picture. Our exclusive BodyCompPro reports are unlike any other DEXA scan reports you’ll get anywhere else. We’ve partnered with BodyCompPro software to bring you a report that’s packed with far more information than standard DEXA reports. Here's what makes our reports stand out:
1. In-Depth Visceral Fat Analysis
Unlike standard DEXA reports, our BodyCompPro analysis provides a detailed breakdown of your visceral fat. You’ll not only get a clear understanding of how much visceral fat you have, but you’ll also see how it compares to health norms, your age group, and gender. This is crucial for understanding whether your visceral fat levels are within a healthy range or if action is needed.
2. Regional Fat and Lean Mass Breakdown
We go beyond just a body fat percentage. Our reports break down your fat and lean mass in specific areas of your body, from your arms and legs to your trunk and abdominal regions. This level of detail helps you understand how your body is distributed and where changes may need to be made.
3. Health Risk Indicators
We don’t stop at just providing data. Our BodyCompPro reports give you actionable insights, including health risk indicators tied to your visceral fat levels and other body
DEXA BodyCompPro Example Report
Age Match
At BodyView, we’re proud to offer something truly unique in the world of body composition analysis. We’re the only clinic in the UK providing age-matched comparisons as part of our comprehensive reports. This means that when you receive your results, we don’t just give you raw data; we give it context. By comparing your body’s composition to others within your same age bracket, we provide a more meaningful and personalised understanding of where you stand. This powerful feature allows you to track your progress and gain clarity on how your body is performing relative to others in your age group, offering insights that go beyond just the numbers. At BodyView, our goal is to deliver a deeper, more relevant perspective on your health, empowering you to make informed choices and optimise your fitness journey.
Why BodyView
At BodyView, we go beyond the basics with our exclusive BodyCompPro reports, offering you a comprehensive, detailed blueprint of your body. From precise measurements of visceral fat to in-depth insights into your muscle mass and bone density, our scans give you a clearer picture of where you stand, and more importantly, where you need to go. So why settle for generic, one-size-fits-all reports? Book with us today and get the full story, backed by expert guidance, to help you achieve your health and fitness goals with confidence. Your body is unique - your scan should be too.