Which type of body fat is considered most dangerous for health?

Visceral fat is recognized as the most dangerous type of body fat in relation to health risks. This fat is stored around the internal organs, particularly in the abdominal cavity, and is closely associated with a variety of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

The reason visceral fat is particularly concerning is due to its metabolic activity; it produces inflammatory markers and hormones that can lead to insulin resistance and other detrimental health conditions. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found under the skin and is generally considered less harmful, visceral fat directly affects organ function and can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance.

Central or android fat refers specifically to the pattern of fat distribution seen in individuals who have a larger waist circumference and more fat located around their abdomen. While this type of fat is indicative of a higher proportion of visceral fat, it is the visceral fat itself that poses the most significant health risks.

Peripheral fat, located in the limbs, does not have the same negative health implications as visceral fat and is less metabolically active. Therefore, when considering the health risks associated with different types of body fat, the link between visceral fat and serious health complications establishes it as the most dangerous type.