Research from the United Kingdom has revealed that adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity can significantly reduce the accumulation of harmful visceral fat, a type of fat stored around the abdomen that poses serious health risks. This study underscores the importance of not only losing weight but also understanding where fat is stored in the body, as visceral fat is associated with a heightened risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The findings, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, are based on an analysis of over 7,200 middle-aged adults tracked over an average of seven years. The researchers discovered that individuals who improved their diet and exercised more effectively limited weight gain, particularly with regard to visceral fat, compared to those who did not make lifestyle changes.
Dr. Shayan Aryannezhad, a researcher at the University of Oxford and one of the authors of the study, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between different types of body fat. “When people talk about changes in body weight, they often refer to a single number on the scale. But not all weight loss or gain is the same,” he stated. His research indicates that combining a balanced diet with regular exercise offers a dual benefit, improving overall weight and specifically reducing visceral fat.
Participants who adhered to a healthier lifestyle gained an average of 1.9 kilograms less total body fat and 150 grams less visceral fat than those with less healthy habits. These figures represent approximately 7 percent of total body fat and 16 percent of visceral fat, demonstrating the clear advantages of a healthier lifestyle.
The significance of these findings remains evident even after accounting for body mass index (BMI), a common measure of obesity. This suggests that visceral fat is often the first to diminish when individuals embrace healthier eating and exercise routines.
Dr. Nita Forouhi, a professor of population health and nutrition at the University of Cambridge, noted that enhancing diet and physical activity during midlife not only aids in weight loss but may also lower the chances of developing metabolic diseases. “Despite the challenges of living in environments that promote unhealthy eating and inactivity, there is benefit from making small, sustained changes that lead to both healthier diets and increased energy expenditure,” she explained.
The study’s implications extend beyond individual health, highlighting the potential for public health initiatives aimed at encouraging lifestyle modifications. As obesity rates and related health issues continue to rise globally, findings like these could contribute to strategies for healthier aging and improved overall well-being.
By focusing on both dietary improvements and regular physical activity, individuals may find a pathway not just to weight loss but also to a healthier life, free from the dangers posed by visceral fat.
