Visceral Fat: Can a person who looks thin on the outside actually be fat on the inside? Learn why.

Fat in Slim People: According to health experts, some people have dangerous fat accumulated around the internal organs in their body, which is called visceral fat.

Can a person who looks thin be fat from the inside?

Can a Slim Person Be Fat From Inside? Many people appear slim and fit from the outside, but that doesn't mean they don't have fat. According to health experts, some people develop dangerous fat deposits around their internal organs, called visceral fat. Such individuals are also medically referred to as "thin outside, fat inside."

What is visceral fat?

This means that a person may appear slim and have a normal BMI, but if they have a poor lifestyle, unhealthy diet, limited physical activity, or excessive alcohol and smoking, fat begins to accumulate silently within the body. This hidden fat can later lead to many serious diseases. According to dietitian Alison Clark, fat accumulated around the waist is often visceral fat. This is why even people who appear thin often develop a beer belly.

Is it harmful for us?

Immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi explains in her book, "Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity," that subcutaneous fat, the fat stored in the arms, legs, and under the skin, is considered relatively less dangerous. However, visceral fat is stored directly around internal organs and can be more harmful.

What is the problem with hidden fat?

Experts say that this hidden fat isn't just about weight gain. It can also contribute to hormonal changes and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver. According to 2021 research by the American Heart Association, visceral fat can also be a sign of fatty liver disease.

How can we find out?

According to doctors, it's not accurate to judge health solely by weight. If a person's waist size is increasing, their belly is protruding, or they have a habit of sitting for long periods of time, these could be signs of visceral fat. Experts recommend checking your waist measurement regularly, as it's considered an easy way to detect visceral fat.

What should be done to avoid this?

Health experts believe that reducing this hidden fat requires more than a strict diet, but rather a healthy lifestyle. A Mediterranean diet, adequate sleep, regular walks, and exercise are considered very helpful. Experts say that daily light physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercises improve the body's metabolism and can help reduce dangerous internal fat deposits.