What is the Difference Between Body Fat and Visceral Fat?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between body fat and visceral fat lies in their location and potential health risks.
- Body fat: This refers to the total amount of fat in the body, which can be found in various places, including under the skin and around internal organs. Body fat plays a role in insulation, protection, and energy storage. The body fat percentage varies depending on age, sex, and individual factors, and a healthy body fat percentage is essential for proper body functioning.
- Visceral fat: Also known as "toxic" or "belly" fat, visceral fat is stored deep inside the body, surrounding vital organs such as the liver, stomach, intestines, heart, and kidneys. High levels of visceral fat can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, artery disease, and some cancers. Visceral fat is considered more dangerous than subcutaneous fat, which is the fat just below the skin that can be pinched or felt.
Some factors that contribute to visceral fat accumulation include consuming more calories than you burn and lack of physical activity. To prevent or reduce visceral fat, it is essential to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.
Comparative Table: Body Fat vs Visceral Fat
The main difference between body fat and visceral fat lies in their location and impact on health. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Body Fat | Visceral Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Body fat includes both essential and storage fat, which can be found under the skin and around the organs. | Visceral fat is a type of body fat that is wrapped around major organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidney. |
| Location | Body fat is stored under the skin and around the organs, providing protection and insulation. | Visceral fat is located deep within the abdominal walls and surrounds the organs. |
| Health Impact | Excess body fat can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, and disease. | Excess visceral fat can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of serious health problems. |
| Measurement | Body fat percentage is calculated as a proportion of fat mass compared to everything else (bones, muscles, and water) and is displayed as a percentage. | Visceral fat can be measured using methods such as waist-to-hip ratio, Body Mass Index (BMI), and specialized tools like DEXA machines. |
It is essential to maintain a healthy level of body fat, as excess fat can have negative health consequences. Visceral fat, in particular, is more dangerous due to its proximity to vital organs and its association with an increased risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
- Visceral Fat vs Subcutaneous Fat
- BMI vs Body Fat
- Fat vs Muscle
- Cellulite vs Fat
- Calories vs Fat Calories
- Weight Loss vs Fat Loss
- Loose Skin vs Fat
- Thick vs Fat
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Oil vs Fat
- Lipids vs Fats
- Somatic vs Visceral Pain
- Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Body Mass vs Body Weight
- Somatic vs Visceral Reflex
- Fatty Acids vs Triglycerides
- Fatty Liver vs Cirrhosis
- Carbohydrates vs Fats
- Areolar vs Adipose Tissue