A surgeon has highlighted why belly fat can pose a greater health risk compared to fat stored in other parts of the body such as the arms and thighs, emphasising that not all body fat behaves the same way. Medical experts now increasingly focus on fat distribution rather than just body weight or Body Mass Index (BMI) when assessing metabolic and cardiovascular risk.

According to Dr Ashish Gautam, Principal Director of Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, there are two main types of fat in the human body: visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat lies just beneath the skin and is commonly found in areas like the thighs, hips, arms and lower abdomen. Visceral fat, however, is stored deeper inside the abdomen and surrounds vital organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.

Dr Gautam explained that while subcutaneous fat can also become unhealthy in excess, it is generally less harmful in terms of metabolic impact. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is considered significantly more dangerous because it actively releases fatty acids and inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, which can interfere with insulin function and disrupt metabolic processes.

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These biological effects can contribute to a range of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, liver stress, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease. Experts note that this is why abdominal obesity is increasingly viewed as a stronger predictor of long-term health risks than overall body weight alone.

Medical professionals also point out that a normal BMI does not necessarily guarantee good metabolic health. Individuals may still carry high levels of visceral fat despite appearing within a healthy weight range. For this reason, measurements such as waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are becoming more widely used in clinical assessments to better evaluate risk linked to abdominal fat.

Health experts also emphasise lifestyle changes as the most effective way to reduce visceral fat. Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming, combined with resistance training, can help improve metabolism and glucose regulation. Dietary changes, including reducing intake of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages and refined carbohydrates, are also recommended.

In addition, maintaining consistent sleep patterns and managing stress levels are considered important, as elevated cortisol levels can contribute to fat accumulation around the abdomen. Experts stress that while all excess body fat should be addressed, visceral fat requires more urgent attention due to its stronger link with serious metabolic diseases.

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