What is the Origin of Visceral Adiposity Dysfunction?

This clinical term is rooted in the physiological distinction between subcutaneous and visceral fat, with the latter being recognized as the more metabolically hazardous depot. 'Dysfunction' highlights the shift from benign energy storage to a state of pathological endocrine and immune activity that drives systemic disease.

What is the Mechanism of Visceral Adiposity Dysfunction?

The dysfunction arises from the visceral adipocytes' heightened sensitivity to stress hormones like cortisol and their reduced ability to safely store triglycerides. This leads to excessive lipolysis and the portal vein delivery of inflammatory mediators and free fatty acids to the liver. These factors impair hepatic insulin signaling and promote gluconeogenesis, initiating the cascade of insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation that characterizes metabolic disease.

Visceral Adiposity Dysfunction ∞ Area

Visceral Adiposity Dysfunction

Meaning

Visceral Adiposity Dysfunction describes the pathological state where the fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity, known as visceral fat, becomes metabolically active and inflammatory. This dysfunction is characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory adipokines and free fatty acids directly into the portal circulation, which directly impacts liver function and systemic insulin sensitivity. It is a critical, measurable risk factor for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.