Can the Type of Fat You Carry Impact Metabolic Conditions?

Posted On: December 9, 2024 Posted By: Cheryl Wolfe

When discussing metabolic health, many people focus solely on weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) as potential risk factors. However, the specific type of fat we carry and where it’s found on the body also plays a critical role in understanding overall metabolic health. Not all fat is created equal, and the difference is crucial for managing and potentially reducing the risk of developing metabolic conditions.

When it comes to metabolic health, it's not just about how much you weigh or how much fat you may have —it's about what kind of fat you're carrying and how it impacts your body.

Types of Body Fat: Visceral vs. Subcutaneous - and how they impact metabolic health

Visceral fat, also known as abdominal fat, is stored around the organs deep in the abdomen, and differs from subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which typically accumulates in areas like the thighs, hips, and arms, visceral fat is metabolically active and poses greater risks than subcutaneous fat because of its proximity to vital organs and its impact on metabolic functions. It is particularly concerning due to its strong link to conditions such as:

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: Visceral fat has been strongly linked to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The excess fat around the organs can interfere with insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar by causing inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and the release of free fatty acids that lead to insulin resistance - all which may lead to elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream (Cleveland Clinic, BioMed Central)
Cardiovascular Disease: Abdominal fat, which can be measured by waist circumference, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. It increases the risk of conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (unhealthy cholesterol levels), and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), all of which are linked to heart attacks and strokes (Cleveland Clinic), BioMed Central)
Metabolic Syndrome: Visceral fat is strongly linked to the increased risk of metabolic syndrome because it releases hormones (including adiponectin and leptin, which help regulate glucose metabolism and appetite, and resistin, which promotes insulin resistance) and inflammatory substances that lead to insulin resistance and disrupts metabolic processes. This increases the risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke associated with metabolic syndrome, and may be associated with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels (Endocrine News, BioMed Central)

Why BMI Falls Short

When we understand the difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat, it explains why using BMI (Body Mass Index) as a standard measure of health has significant limitations and should never be used as a sole measurement or predictor of health. BMI is simply a ratio of weight to height and does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass or take into account where fat is stored. This means that two individuals with the same BMI may have vastly different body compositions, and, therefore, different levels of metabolic health risk.

For instance, a person with a higher percentage of muscle mass (i.e. a weight lifter) may be classified as "overweight" or even "obese" based on BMI alone, but they might actually have low visceral fat and be in excellent metabolic health. On the other hand, someone with a "normal" BMI could have high visceral fat and be at a greater risk of metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

The Importance of Body Composition

To get a clearer picture of health, therefore, we need to look beyond BMI and focus on body composition—the balance of muscle to fat, and focus on where that fat is stored. A better assessment includes measuring body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and, importantly, visceral fat levels. Tools that can provide more detailed information about body composition than BMI alone can include:

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scans: A medical imaging test primarily used to measure bone density but can also assess body composition, including fat and muscle mass, providing precise data on the distribution of visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and lean muscle mass.
Bioelectrical Impedance: A method used to estimate body composition, particularly body fat and muscle mass. It works by sending a low-level electrical current through the body and measuring the resistance (impedance) to that current. Because different tissues in the body like fat, muscle, and water conduct electricity at different rates, the device can use this data to calculate the amount of fat versus lean mass (muscle and bone).
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR): A simple but effective measure that helps assess body composition, particularly fat distribution. It is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by that of the hips. WHR is used as an indicator of fat stored in the abdominal region (visceral fat) compared to fat stored in the hips and thighs (subcutaneous fat).

Interventions

Interventions targeting visceral fat, rather than just overall weight loss, are key to improving metabolic health:

Focus on Losing Visceral Fat vs. Total Weight Loss: Reducing visceral fat is more beneficial for lowering the risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Focusing solely on total weight loss can result in losing both muscle mass and fat, which can be detrimental to your metabolic health.
GLP-1 Agonists (e.g., semaglutide): While these medications promote weight loss, they often fail to reduce visceral fat and can lead to significant muscle loss (up to 40% of total weight loss), which compromises metabolic health in the long-term by altering body composition especially when the medication is stopped. (For more information on how FMD might be more beneficial than GLP-1’s, visit here).
Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD): FMD, when used as part of L-Nutra Health programs, effectively targets visceral fat while preserving muscle mass, offering a sustainable approach for long-term metabolic health.

Focusing on reducing visceral fat and maintaining muscle mass is essential for improving metabolic health and reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Our L-Nutra Health Metabolic Health Program offers a sustainable, science-backed approach to targeting visceral fat and improving overall body composition, making them a valuable tool for supporting metabolic health.