The Difference Between Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat
Losing weight comes with obvious challenges, but an underdiscussed roadblock is a lack of awareness of the biology behind your body shape. For example, many people don’t know that fat isn’t a single substance. There are two types of fat in your body: subcutaneous and visceral.
Lifestyle and genetics both play a large role in how much of each type of fat your body will store. Read on to learn more about the differences between subcutaneous and visceral fat and steps you can take to lose them during your weight loss journey.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Do you notice a layer of fat just under your skin? That’s subcutaneous fat. It’s the more visible type of fat, and you should notice it disappearing from your body as you start to lose weight.
Diet and exercise are the keys to losing subcutaneous fat. Don’t just focus on eating fewer calories—try to swap out some of your carbohydrates for lean protein. As far as exercise goes, try a combination of aerobic exercises that burn extra calories and strength training that helps you build muscle.
What Is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat makes up the inner layers of fat that your body stores in your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs. Doctors have linked excess visceral fat to serious health issues like:
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
In the long term, carrying extra visceral fat in your body is more dangerous than extra subcutaneous fat.
If you’re trying to get rid of visceral fat, start by changing your diet and exercise habits, just as you would with subcutaneous fat. A high-stress lifestyle can also prompt the body to store extra visceral fat. In addition to exercise, try incorporating some relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing and meditation. Reducing stress can help your body eliminate visceral fat.
Combat Fat With Diet Doc
Now you know that not all fat in your body is the same, but in higher than average amounts, both types have at least one thing in common: a negative impact on your health and your self-esteem.
A medically supervised weight loss program can help you lose both subcutaneous and visceral fat safely and effectively. Contact Diet Doc to receive a personalized plan for bringing your body back to a healthy weight and a look you’ll be satisfied with.
