The Dangers of Visceral Fat

Can You Pinch an Inch?

The inch (or inches) you can pinch may make you cringe, but the latest research says it's the fat you can't reach that is a bigger problem. It's called visceral fat, and it grows close to organs such as your kidneys and liver, potentially increasing your risk for heart disease and diabetes. It's not yet clear why visceral fat is a hazard, but scientists believe it affects liver function, which could lead to higher levels of cholesterol in your blood.

Moreover, recent research shows that women at middle age accumulate this dangerous fat at a rapid pace. The good news is you can fight visceral fat. The weapon of choice: exercise. In fact, researchers at Duke University who looked at the amount of exercise needed for melting visceral fat found that there is a magic number for burning it off.