DEXA Results: Visceral Fat

‍Visceral fat is one of the most important metrics revealed by a DEXA scan. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, visceral fat is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding your vital organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Elevated levels of visceral fat are linked to serious health risks, making it crucial to understand and manage this hidden fat.

For more information on interpreting your full report, read our post on How to Interpret Your DEXA Scan Results.

‍

What is Visceral Fat?

Visceral fat is a type of body fat that’s more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat. While some visceral fat is necessary to protect your organs, excessive amounts can lead to inflammation and an increased risk for chronic diseases.

‍

Why is Visceral Fat Dangerous?

High levels of visceral fat are associated with a range of health issues, including:

• Heart Disease: Contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Linked to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
• Metabolic Syndrome: A combination of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, that increases the likelihood of chronic diseases.
• Inflammation: Releases pro-inflammatory chemicals that can harm your health over time.

Even individuals with a healthy body weight can have high levels of visceral fat, making regular assessments through a DEXA scan crucial.

‍

How Does a DEXA Scan Measure Visceral Fat?

A DEXA scan quantifies the amount of visceral fat in your abdominal region, providing a clear and precise measurement. Unlike other methods, such as body circumference measurements or bioelectrical impedance, DEXA technology directly analyzes fat deposits, ensuring accurate results.

‍

Interpreting Your Visceral Fat Results

The DEXA scan will include a specific measurement of visceral fat, typically reported in grams or as a percentage of your total body fat. Use this data to assess your health risks:

• Low Visceral Fat: Indicates a healthy level of fat around your organs.
• Moderate to High Visceral Fat: Suggests an increased risk for metabolic conditions and warrants lifestyle changes.

Your DEXA scan may also provide a comparison to healthy ranges based on your age, gender, and body type.

‍

How to Reduce Visceral Fat

If your DEXA results indicate high visceral fat levels, targeted strategies can help reduce it:

• Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber carbohydrates. Avoid refined sugars and trans fats.
• Regular Exercise: Incorporate cardio and strength training. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly effective.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, leading to fat accumulation in the abdominal area. Practices like yoga or meditation can help.
• Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite and fat storage. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

‍

Tracking Visceral Fat Over Time

Visceral fat is one of the first fat types to respond to diet and exercise interventions. Regular DEXA scans, spaced every 1-2 months, allow you to monitor your progress and adjust your health strategies as needed.

Understanding and managing visceral fat is a vital step in improving your overall health and reducing your risk of chronic diseases. A DEXA scan gives you the insights needed to take control of your health journey.

‍

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at KALOS. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there. Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.