“Visceral fat” is the commonly used term for visceral adipose tissue. This tissue stores triglycerides (fat) deep within the abdomen, around internal organs.

Visceral fat differs from subcutaneous fat, which is stored just beneath the skin and can be pinched.

Visceral fat doesn’t just sit there; it’s metabolically active, meaning it releases hormones and inflammatory compounds that influence processes throughout the body.

Everyone has some visceral fat, which helps cushion organs and store energy. However, when visceral fat builds up in excess, it changes the way your metabolism works, contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

Because visceral fat is located deep inside the abdomen, it cannot be seen or felt directly. Two people can weigh the same, but one might have higher health risks if they’re carrying more visceral fat.

The simplest at-home screening measure is waist circumference. Generally, a waist circumference over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men suggests higher visceral fat levels.²

If you’re curious about your exact numbers, medical imaging such as a DEXA scan, CT scan, or MRI can provide more accurate measurements and are typically done through your healthcare provider. Smart scales and InBody scans may be useful for following trends over time, but their estimates are less precise.

Learn more about smart scales for tracking metabolic health progress.