Estimate your clients' visceral fat level from simple anthropometric measurements. Evaluate metabolic and cardiovascular risk with range classifications and personalised recommendations.
Measure at navel height, fasted
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Visceral fat is the adipose tissue that accumulates around the internal organs of the abdomen: the liver, pancreas, intestines and kidneys. Unlike subcutaneous fat (the kind you can pinch), visceral fat is not visible externally but is metabolically far more active and dangerous.
This type of fat releases free fatty acids, inflammatory cytokines and hormones directly into the hepatic portal system, making it an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and certain cancers.
The reference method for measuring visceral fat is computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but there are validated anthropometric indicators that allow a reliable estimate without expensive equipment. Waist circumference and the waist-to-height ratio are the most widely used in clinical and sports practice.
A person can have a normal BMI and yet present elevated levels of visceral fat. This phenomenon, known as "metabolically obese normal weight" (MONW), affects approximately 20–30% of the normal-weight population and represents a silent health risk.
Cardiovascular
Higher risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Visceral fat raises LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Metabolic
Insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Visceral fat interferes with insulin signalling.
Inflammatory
Low-grade chronic inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6). Associated with higher risk of colorectal and breast cancer.
Hormonal
Dysregulation of cortisol, leptin and adiponectin. Can affect testosterone in men and the menstrual cycle in women.