Fat is just fat, right? Wrong.
There are different types of fat. Just as in foods, there are good fats and bad fats. How do you know when you have too much of the bad? And what can you do to get rid of it? Keep reading to learn more about the difference between subcutaneous fat vs visceral fat, why one is considered more dangerous than the other and some tips for getting on the right path to your weight loss goals.
What is Subcutaneous Fat?
The word “subcutaneous” means “below or beneath the skin.”
We are all born with a certain amount of subcutaneous fat, and it actually plays a vital role in our body’s health and normal processes. It’s technically the third layer of our skin, after the epidermis and the dermis. Subcutaneous fat stores energy, protects our bodies as a literal cushion and serves as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels.
That fat you can pinch with your fingers? That’s subcutaneous fat. When we gain weight, the amount you can pinch will generally increase. You’ll notice clothing fitting tighter in areas like the belly, buttocks and thighs. Having some subcutaneous fat is perfectly normal and natural, but too much can lead to more serious health concerns.
What is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat is found deep in our abdominal cavity, wrapping around many of our vital organs. Visceral fat is often referred to as “hidden fat” as it cannot be pinched like subcutaneous fat and usually only amounts to about a tenth of all the fat stored in the body. However, excess visceral fat is linked to increased inflammation in the body and can lead to serious medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Taking steps towards an overall healthier lifestyle will usually reduce visceral fat and produce a major positive impact on health. The best way to determine whether you have an unhealthy amount of visceral fat on your body would be to ask your doctor or request a scan (such as a CT scan or MRI).
How to Reduce Visceral Fat and Subcutaneous Fat
While visceral fat is generally prioritized as the more dangerous of the two, the truth is that too much of any fat on the body can be very bad for your health. So how do you lose fat? Of course, the short answer is:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Increase your activity levels
Often by following these two basic guidelines, miraculous changes can take place. After all, nutrition is considered to be 80% of of the weight loss puzzle, while exercise helps tone and build muscle as you shed.
Wellness Treatments for Fat Loss
The Verju green laser is an FDA-cleared and clinically proven fat reduction technology. This painless laser treatment releases stored subcutaneous fat and causes inch loss in the area(s) treated. Excess fat is released and then removed from your body via the lymphatic system’s normal detox process.
If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to Trim Studio, your #1 wellness boutique specializing in Verju and Cryoskin fat reduction treatments!
