Abdominal Obesity: What It Is and Why Visceral Fat Is Dangerous

Conversations about weight often come down to the number on the scale, but fat is distributed differently in different people: some carry it in the hips, others in the abdomen. Abdominal obesity is specifically about the abdomen, and this pattern is more often linked to health problems. Below: what it is, how it differs from other types, and when to see a doctor.

What abdominal obesity is

Obesity is a condition in which there is more adipose tissue in the body than is needed for health. In adults it corresponds to a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, and overweight corresponds to 25 to 29.9. For people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, and African origin, the thresholds are lower: 23–27.4 and 27.5 or above. The abdominal type is when fat accumulates mainly around the abdomen. It is not simply weight that raises the risk, but fat around the waist rather than around the hips.

Visceral and subcutaneous fat deposits: what the difference is

Subcutaneous fat lies under the skin, while visceral fat is inside the abdominal cavity, around the organs. Visceral fat is also called internal fat. The exact proportion of visceral fat cannot be estimated by eye — that is a matter for a doctor and examinations.

Alimentary obesity and causes of the abdominal type

Obesity associated with an excess of energy from food compared with energy expenditure (this is what is meant by the alimentary variant). More energy comes in with food and drinks than is expended, and the surplus is stored as fat. Other things also play a role: heredity, eating habits, sex, origin, activity level, certain medications, and diseases. The contribution of lifestyle and environment is considered roughly six times more significant than genetics. Hormones are involved in fat accumulation — cortisol, leptin, insulin; with increased cortisol production (Cushing's syndrome), BMI is sometimes higher.

Abdominal obesity in men and women: waist circumference criteria

The guideline is simple, without tables: waist less than half of height. At a height of 170 cm, this is approximately 85 cm. The android type is another name for the abdominal type. The waist-to-height ratio is convenient to calculate if BMI is less than 35.

Risks and complications

Fat around the waist is not about aesthetics but about the burden on the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism. Living with obesity reduces average life expectancy by 2–10 years.

• type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure
• certain types of cancer, including breast, uterine, and bowel cancer
• osteoarthritis, back and joint pain
• fatty liver disease, sleep apnea

Everyday matters also make themselves felt: shortness of breath, fatigue, snoring, low mood. At the same time, weight loss of even 5–10% already improves health.

How it is diagnosed and when to see a doctor

The doctor will ask about weight history and attempts to lose weight, about activity, perform an examination — height, weight, blood pressure, listen to the heart and lungs, calculate BMI, and measure the waist. If necessary, they will order blood tests and instrumental examinations to assess associated conditions. Make an appointment with a doctor: if BMI is in the overweight or obesity category and support is needed; if the waist is more than half of height; with prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain, sleep apnea, heart and vascular diseases; if close relatives had obesity; if there is or seems to be an eating disorder.

Abdominal obesity by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 and 112 — if there is a suspicion of stroke or heart attack — life-threatening conditions.

If the waist is more than half of height, it makes sense to see a doctor. This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer