Combating Visceral Abdominal Fat; What does its presence indicate?

Authors

Douglas L. Faison, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Internal Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Sarah Bolander

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study provides an outlook on what we can learn about our patients from their visual presentation. People with an increased central abdominal obesity are more prone to insulin resistance which can lead to metabolic syndrome. Increased central obesity along with elevated triglyceride levels has been associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis.1 Although there is truly no way to just look at a person and tell if they have a metabolic disorder. Appearance along with age and body habitus can aid with the evaluation process, subsequent treatment, and prevention of morbidity and mortality. Reductions in visceral abdominal fat have been shown to assist with correcting the progression from insulin resistance to dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension. There have been findings that indicate that visceral adipose tissue can be accurately measured by CT or MRI.2 These measurements give providers another tool that can be used as a marker to determine the risk of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality.3 Results of studies over the past two decades have taught us that there truly is an association between visceral abdominal fat and other metabolic disorders.4 We now know that a reduction in VAF can lead to a healthier person and assist with the correction of insulin resistance that leads to metabolic disorders. If only there was a safe and effective way to help the layperson reduce central obesity. This could aid in a threefold decrease in morbidity and mortality throughout our country and the world.

Recommended Citation

Faison DL. Combating Visceral Abdominal Fat; What does its presence indicate?. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).