Visceral fat is the fat that is stored around our internal organs in our abdominal cavity. This type of fat is highly active and constantly produces free fatty acids in the bloodstream. It is an important factor in overall health and can have serious consequences if left unchecked. Read the article below to learn more.
Cytokines
Cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and a decrease in adiponectin (the ‘fat hormone’) have been observed to be associated with a reduction in insulin resistance. Additionally, a protein known as RBP4, which has been linked to higher levels of insulin resistance, is secreted by visceral fat.
The fat that is stored inside our body, between the organs, can have a major impact on our health. This fat releases inflammatory chemicals into the liver and the bloodstream, leading to many health problems.
Excessive sugar consumption can damage our organs, such as the liver and pancreas. This damage can affect our body’s ability to regulate insulin, which can cause an unhealthy amount of glucose to build up in our blood. This can lead to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Age-Related Conditions
Reducing the number of calories consumed can help avoid age-related diseases and prolong life. In addition, gaining too much fat, especially from the abdominal area, can increase the risk of developing age-related conditions and make aging happen more quickly.
Visceral fat levels tend to go up with age for both men and women. Eating too much of certain kinds of food, like highly processed carbs and sugars, can lead to extra calories that end up as fat. Other things like long-term stress, lack of exercise, and not getting enough sleep can also cause visceral fat to increase.
Stress
Stress can lead to increased amounts of fat being stored in the abdomen due to the hormone cortisol released from the body. Glucocorticoids bind to receptors in the abdominal fat more than any other type of fat, causing more fat to be stored in that area.
Fat cells can absorb and break down hormones called glucocorticoids, which could help explain why people with higher levels of abdominal fat have a greater ability to process stress hormones. Some studies have also indicated that abdominal obesity is linked to the faster removal of cortisol from the body.
Metabolic Diseases
Excess levels of abdominal fat can have a negative effect on our hormone balance. One of the hormones affected is adiponectin, which helps regulate how much fat is stored in the body. When levels of adiponectin are low, it can lead to higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). This can lead to an increased risk of metabolic diseases.
Brain Conditions
Accumulated visceral fat is associated with negative impacts on brain function. Visceral fat permits a particular kind of inflammatory substance, interleukin-1 beta, to enter the brain and hinder cognitive performance. This cytokine is generated by visceral fat stores, which then moves through the bloodstream, penetrates the blood-brain barrier, and gets into the brain.
Here, it causes the microglia cells to become improperly functioning, which ultimately hampers cognitive ability. Microglia are a type of immune cell responsible for regulating neuronal activity by getting rid of dead cells and extracellular debris and releasing molecules that can either boost or limit neuroplasticity.
Conclusion
Clearly, visceral fat can be a major risk factor for various serious health problems. It is essential to keep track of visceral fat levels and to make lifestyle changes to reduce visceral fat. Exercise, weight management, and a healthy diet are necessary to reduce visceral fat levels and to improve overall health. Visceral fat may not be visible, but it can have a severe impact on health.
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