Not all fat has the same effect on health. Visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs deep in the abdomen, is particularly harmful. It promotes chronic inflammation and disrupts insulin — the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. When insulin does not function properly, blood glucose levels rise. On the other hand, subcutaneous fat, which is the fat just beneath the skin, can actually support healthier metabolism. This type of fat releases hormones that help insulin work more efficiently.
According to a study published in the journal ‘Nature Medicine’, changing your lifestyle habits for the better can help you shift fat away from your abdominal organs and towards areas under the skin, even when you overall weight doesn’t change. Certain dietary patterns can help. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in Mediterranean-style diets rich in fish, olive oil, and nuts, may reduce visceral fat. Regular endurance exercise can also lower abdominal fat, even when overall weight stays the same. In the study, about one in four people participating in lifestyle programmes were able to normalise their blood sugar without losing weight. This remission offered the same level of protection against future diabetes as remission achieved through weight loss.