There are two types of fat in the body. One just under the skin. This is called subcutaneous fat. The second is visceral fat around our organs. Doctors warn that this visceral fat, which surrounds the heart, lungs, intestines, liver and other abdominal organs, is more dangerous than the external fat.

A small amount of visceral fat can provide a cushion for the internal organs, but too much can be problematic. Excess visceral fat can release cytokines into the bloodstream and into the body. Also known as adipokines, these cytokines contribute to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and cancer, according to health experts. Apart from these, this fat can accumulate in the blood vessels and cause problems.

Visceral fat is estimated to make up about 10 percent of body weight. Therefore, when the body weight increases, visceral fat also increases. Visceral fat is defined as a waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men. The measurement should be taken by wrapping the tape touching the navel.

Visceral fat can increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Therefore, steps should be taken to reduce visceral fat through exercise and diet. Some patients may require medication and surgery as per the instructions of the doctors.

Weight loss through bariatric surgery can reduce obesity-related cancer risk by 32 percent, according to a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Another study found that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of heart disease in people over the age of 65. But bariatric surgery does not remove visceral fat. This surgery also provides health benefits to those with visceral fat by reducing overall body weight.

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