What is the Difference Between Visceral Fat and Subcutaneous Fat?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are two distinct types of body fat with different locations, functions, and health implications:
- Visceral Fat: This type of fat is located deep within the abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It is not visible from the outside and is not directly linked to health issues like visceral fat.
- Subcutaneous Fat: This fat is found just beneath the skin and can be felt when you pinch your skin. It is distributed throughout the body, covering areas like the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Subcutaneous fat acts as a source of energy, helps regulate body temperature, and provides padding and protection for underlying tissues.
The main differences between visceral and subcutaneous fat are:
- Location: Visceral fat lies deep within the abdominal organs, while subcutaneous fat is just under the skin.
- Health Implications: High levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of several health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, certain cancers, and metabolic syndrome. Excess subcutaneous fat is associated with obesity but is generally considered to be less harmful to health than visceral fat.
- Metabolism: Visceral fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat, which means it can have a more significant impact on health.
In summary, visceral fat is located deep within the abdominal cavity and is associated with various health issues, while subcutaneous fat is found just under the skin and is generally considered less harmful to health. Both types of fat can be influenced by diet and exercise.
Comparative Table: Visceral Fat vs Subcutaneous Fat
Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are two different types of fat stored in the body. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:
Characteristic | Visceral Fat | Subcutaneous Fat |
---|---|---|
Location | Deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines | Just beneath the skin, can be pinched with fingers |
Texture | Not pinchable | Pinchable |
Health Risks | Associated with an increased risk for diabetes, heart diseases, and other health issues | Generally less dangerous, but excess can still lead to health problems |
Role in the Body | Cushions organs and surrounds important blood vessels | Stores energy, protects the body, serves as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels |
Fat Distribution | More common in the abdominal area, can cause a potbelly or apple-shaped appearance | Common in the lower body, legs, buttocks, and thighs |
In summary, visceral fat is found deep within the abdomen and surrounds vital organs, while subcutaneous fat is located just beneath the skin and can be pinched. Visceral fat is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and other health issues, whereas subcutaneous fat, especially in the legs, buttocks, and thighs, tends to be protective.
- Body Fat vs Visceral Fat
- Fat vs Muscle
- Cellulite vs Fat
- Loose Skin vs Fat
- Thick vs Fat
- Calories vs Fat Calories
- Weight Loss vs Fat Loss
- BMI vs Body Fat
- Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Oil vs Fat
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Cutaneous vs Subcutaneous Mycoses
- Lipids vs Fats
- Areolar vs Adipose Tissue
- Superficial vs Deep Fascia
- Subcutaneous Intramuscular vs Intravenous Injection
- Somatic vs Visceral Pain
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats
- Trans Fat vs Saturated Fat