Body fat is often associated with negative connotations, but not all fat is created equal. There are two main types of fat in our bodies: subcutaneous and visceral fat. In this article, we will explain the key differences between these two types of fat.
Subcutaneous Fat
Subcutaneous fat is the fat that lies just beneath the skin. It is the most visible type of fat and is found all over the body, including the arms, legs, buttocks, and abdomen. This type of fat acts as a cushioning layer and helps to regulate body temperature. It is also the type of fat that we can pinch and measure with calipers.
Visceral Fat
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the fat that surrounds our organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines. This type of fat is not visible and is located deep within the abdominal cavity. Visceral fat is often referred to as "belly fat" and is associated with an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Key Differences
The key difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat is their location in the body. Subcutaneous fat is located just beneath the skin, while visceral fat is located deep within the abdominal cavity. Another difference is their impact on health. While subcutaneous fat is generally considered harmless, too much visceral fat can lead to serious health problems.
How to Measure Fat
There are several ways to measure body fat, including skinfold measurements, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Skinfold measurements involve pinching the skin and measuring the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer. Bioelectrical impedance uses a small electrical current to estimate body fat percentage. DXA is a type of X-ray that measures bone density, body fat, and muscle mass.
If you want to know with certainty your subcutaneous and visceral fat your can always visit any of our locations and get a a DEXA scan for FREE.
Conclusion
Both subcutaneous and visceral fat are important for our bodies, but too much of either can lead to health problems. It is important to maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Measuring body fat can also help to monitor our health and make necessary changes to our lifestyle.