Core fat, often referred to as visceral fat, is a type of fat that accumulates in the abdominal cavity and around internal organs. It is different from subcutaneous fat, which is the fat that lies just beneath the skin. Core fat is considered more metabolically active and potentially more harmful to health than subcutaneous fat. Here's what core fat consists of and why it's of concern:
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Visceral Fat: Visceral fat is the primary component of core fat. It accumulates around vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. This fat is more metabolically active and can release fatty acids and inflammatory substances into the bloodstream, potentially contributing to various health issues.
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Peritoneal Fat: Peritoneal fat is a subtype of visceral fat that specifically accumulates within the peritoneal cavity, which lines the abdominal wall and covers abdominal organs.
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Omental Fat: Omental fat is another subtype of visceral fat, located in the omentum, a fold of the peritoneum that covers the stomach and other organs in the abdominal cavity.
Core fat is associated with several health risks, including:
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Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Excess visceral fat is strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
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Insulin Resistance: Visceral fat can promote insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.
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Inflammation: Visceral fat releases inflammatory cytokines, contributing to systemic inflammation, which is associated with various health issues.
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Metabolic Syndrome: The accumulation of visceral fat is a key component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal lipid levels, and obesity, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
It's essential to manage core fat for overall health. This involves a combination of regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and stress management. Reducing core fat can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of various diseases. Keep in mind that spot reduction (losing fat from a specific area) is generally not effective, so focus on overall weight loss through a balanced lifestyle to target core fat.