Why Visceral Fat Matters for Your Health
Why Visceral Fat Matters for Your Health
When we think about body fat, most of us imagine the fat we see in the mirror. However, not all fat behaves the same way or carries the same health risks. One type of fat that deserves your attention is visceral fat — the fat that surrounds your internal organs deep within your abdomen.
Even if your weight or appearance seems "normal," excess visceral fat can silently increase your risk for serious health problems. In this article, we’ll explain why visceral fat matters, how it affects your health, and how DexaFit West Houston can help you manage it effectively. Along the way, you’ll learn about insights from Dr. Gregory Burzynski, whose expertise guides our approach to personalized wellness.
What Is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat is stored within the abdominal cavity, wrapped around vital organs like your liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just under the skin, visceral fat is not visible or pinched easily.
It’s metabolically active, meaning it releases inflammatory substances and hormones that influence your body’s overall health.
Understanding this type of fat requires tools that go beyond the scale or traditional body measurements. Dr. Gregory Burzynski, at DexaFit West Houston, uses state of the art technology to get this data to help build a personalized plan for you.
Why Visceral Fat is a Health Concern
Excess visceral fat is linked to several health risks. Here’s why it matters:
Increased Heart Risk: Visceral fat contributes to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Insulin Resistance & Type 2 Diabetes: It interferes with insulin’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Chronic Inflammation: Visceral fat produces inflammatory chemicals that damage tissues and organs over time.
Metabolic Syndrome: This cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, increases vulnerability to age-related diseases.
At DexaFit West Houston, Dr. Gregory Burzynski helps patients address visceral fat because it directly influences these critical health factors—many of which are not revealed by routine weight checks or BMI alone.
Measuring Visceral Fat: Why It’s Different
Most people rely on BMI or scale weight to assess health, but these don’t reveal how much visceral fat you have. This is where DexaFit’s advanced body composition testing becomes essential:
We use DexaFit Body Scans, a cutting-edge imaging technology that differentiates fat from muscle and bone.
A DEXA scan provides a precise estimate of visceral fat volume, allowing you to understand your health risks better.
Other tests like VO2 Max and Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) measurements complement body fat analysis by revealing how your fitness and metabolism function.
Dr. Gregory Burzynski uses data-driven methods like these allow for more targeted health strategies, moving far beyond the guesswork of weight or BMI alone.
Taking Control: How to Reduce Visceral Fat
Good news: visceral fat is one of the most responsive types of fat to lifestyle changes. Here are actionable steps proven to reduce it:
1. Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Diet
Prioritize whole foods: vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Limit refined sugars and processed foods which promote visceral fat accumulation.
Consider foods high in fiber and antioxidants to reduce inflammation.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Incorporate aerobic exercise (walks, jogging, cycling) at least 150 minutes per week.
Add strength training twice a week to build muscle, which increases metabolism.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Dr. Burzynski advises gradual, sustainable increases in activity tailored to your ability level.
3. Manage Stress & Sleep
Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol levels, a hormone linked to visceral fat gain.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to balance stress.
4. Monitor Progress with Technology
Use DexaFit’s detailed scans and follow-ups to track visceral fat changes over time.
Adjust your plan with the support of experts like Dr. Gregory Burzynski and his team, using the data he highlights as essential for lasting success.
Why Choose DexaFit West Houston?
At DexaFit West Houston, we’re committed to helping you understand exactly what’s happening inside your body. Unlike generic weight scales, our AI-enhanced technology measures visceral fat and overall body composition in detail. This empowers you to make informed decisions.
Precision Testing: Our DexaFit Body scans are thorough and quick, offering reliable data about your fat and muscle distribution.
Comprehensive Health Insights: Beyond fat, we assess cardiovascular fitness through VO2 Max and metabolic rate with RMR analysis.
Personalized Support: With the guidance of experienced health professionals, including insights from Dr. Gregory Burzynski, we create wellness plans designed to fit your needs.
Track Results: Monitoring your progress is key. Repeat DexaFit Body scans track changes in visceral fat over time, giving you the feedback needed to stay on course.
The Bottom Line
Visceral fat isn’t just about appearance—it’s about health. Hidden deep within the abdomen, it can quietly raise your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. The good news is that visceral fat responds quickly to positive lifestyle changes when guided by accurate data.
At DexaFit West Houston, Dr. Gregory Burzynski combines advanced technology with expert support to give you the clearest picture of your health. With tools like DexaFit Body Scans, RMR testing, and VO2 Max analysis, we help you move beyond guesswork to actionable, science-backed strategies. Our approach empowers you to reduce health risks, protect your organs, and build lasting wellness.
