Why Belly Fat Matters More Than Weight
Visceral fat sits around organs and drives disease risk. Here is how to measure and reduce it.
Visceral versus subcutaneous fat
Subcutaneous fat sits under the skin, while visceral fat wraps around organs. Visceral fat releases inflammatory chemicals and is strongly linked to insulin resistance.
A simple waist check
Keeping your waist below half your height is a handy rule for all ages. Waist-to-hip ratio and body roundness add extra detail on fat distribution.
What helps
Regular aerobic and resistance exercise, enough sleep, less alcohol and fewer sugary drinks all reduce visceral fat. It often shrinks before the scale moves much.
Try it: Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
At or above 0.5 suggests extra abdominal fat; 0.6 and above is considered high risk.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.