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What melts visceral fat?

The best way to reduce visceral fat is through losing weight and diet. Visceral fat responds better to diet and exercise than fat on the hips. Regular exercise can also stop visceral fat from coming back. Another option is medication, but studies show this is not as effective in reducing visceral fat as exercise.

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What is visceral body fat?

Visceral body fat, also known as 'hidden' fat, is fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapped around the organs, including the liver and intestines. It makes up about one tenth of all the fat stored in the body. Most fat is stored underneath the skin and is known as subcutaneous fat. That is the fat that is visible and that you can feel. The rest of the fat in the body is hidden. That is visceral fat. Visceral fat makes the belly stick out or gives a person an 'apple' shape. It also produces chemicals and hormones that can be toxic to the body. Visceral fat produces more toxic substances than subcutaneous fat, so it is more dangerous. Even in thin people, having visceral fat carries a range of health risks.

Visceral fat is more common in men than in women.

What causes visceral fat?

Fat gets stored when you consume too many calories and have too little physical activity. Some people tend to store fat around their belly rather than on the hips because of their genes. In women, getting older can change where the body stores fat. Especially after menopause, women’s muscle mass gets less and their fat increases. As women age, they are more likely to develop more visceral fat in the belly, even if they do not put on weight. In men, age and genetics also play a role in developing visceral fat. Drinking alcohol can also lead to more belly fat in men.

What are the health risks of visceral fat?

Having visceral fat in the belly is a sign of metabolic syndrome, a collection of disorders that include high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. Together, these increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Having too much visceral fat in the belly can also cause:

ARE YOU AT RISK? — Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Use the Risk Checker to find out.

How do I know if I have visceral fat?

The best way to tell if you have visceral fat is to measure your waist. The waist circumference is a good indicator of how much fat is deep inside the belly, around the organs. For women, your risk of chronic disease is increased if the waist circumference is 80 cm or more and for men 94cm or more. These measurements don’t apply to children or pregnant women. If you think your waist measurement may be too large, talk to your doctor. Measuring the Body Mass Index (BMI) may also tell whether you are carrying too much fat. NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT? — Use the BMI Calculator to find out if your weight and waist size are in a healthy range.

How can I reduce visceral fat?

The best way to reduce visceral fat is through losing weight and diet. Visceral fat responds better to diet and exercise than fat on the hips. Regular exercise can also stop visceral fat from coming back. Another option is medication, but studies show this is not as effective in reducing visceral fat as exercise. Liposuction does not work to remove visceral fat. Even though you cannot change your genetics, hormones or your age, you can reduce your risk of disease by: exercising for at least 30 minutes every day (for example by brisk walking, cycling, aerobic exercise and strength training)

eating a healthy diet

not smoking

reducing sugary drinks

getting enough sleep

For more information and support, try these resources:

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Is apple cider vinegar OK to take everyday?

ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).

ACV has garnered superfood status, and fans of the vinegar say that it can cure nearly everything that ails you — weight gain, digestive issues, skin woes, and so on. Meanwhile, some companies tout ACV pills as a powerful source of vitamins and minerals, or for weight loss or “cleansing” support. Few studies support these uses, so while you can add it to your diet without significantly upping your risk for weight gain, it’s best to stay realistic about it. ACV’s main health benefits may be due to the amount of antioxidant polyphenols (or plant chemicals) it contains, thanks to the fermentation process. It’s also rich in probiotics , which may benefit the digestive system and gut microbiome

ACV and Weight Loss

ACV contains very few calories, so it can fit into your diet if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight. But you may also have heard that some people take a shot or tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to stimulate fat burning. The fact of the matter is that taking ACV is unlikely to change your body composition or weight. Registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky points out that this thought doesn’t have scientific support behind it — and the only way to actually lose weight is through a generally healthy diet and by incorporating fitness into your routine. The advice is far less flashy than supplementing with something as trendy as ACV, but it’s exactly what really works. The advice is far less flashy than supplementing with something as trendy as ACV, but it’s exactly what really works.

ACV and High Cholesterol

ACV may be beneficial for high cholesterol in some groups.

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