What is the Origin of Visceral Fat Metabolic Impact?

This term originates from metabolic research and clinical endocrinology, distinguishing 'visceral fat' (fat around the viscera or internal organs) from other fat types and focusing on its 'metabolic impact,' which is the effect on the body's chemical processes.

What is the Mechanism of Visceral Fat Metabolic Impact?

The primary mechanism involves visceral adipocytes releasing inflammatory cytokines, such as $text{IL}-6$ and $text{TNF}-alpha$, directly into the portal circulation, leading to hepatic insulin resistance. This cascade of inflammation and impaired signaling disrupts glucose and lipid metabolism throughout the body. Furthermore, visceral fat contributes to dysregulated cortisol metabolism, further exacerbating the systemic metabolic dysfunction.

Visceral Fat Metabolic Impact ∞ Area

Visceral Fat Metabolic Impact

Meaning

Visceral Fat Metabolic Impact describes the profound and detrimental influence that excess adipose tissue stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs, has on systemic metabolic function. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is highly metabolically active, secreting numerous pro-inflammatory adipokines and hormones that impair insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Reducing this specific fat depot is a critical target for improving long-term health outcomes.