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VAT

Meaning

VAT is the acronym for Visceral Adipose Tissue, a metabolically active type of fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, VAT is strongly correlated with a high risk of metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal imbalances due to its high secretory capacity for pro-inflammatory adipokines and free fatty acids. Clinically, the amount of VAT is a more critical indicator of metabolic health risk than total body fat percentage.