Visceral Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat: What’s the Difference?

Not all body fat is the same. Understanding the difference between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat can help explain why some weight carries greater health risks—and why targeted, medically guided care matters.

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​​What is Subcutaneous Fat?​

Subcutaneous fat is the fat you can see and feel. It sits just beneath the skin and is most commonly found in areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms.

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While subcutaneous fat can affect appearance and comfort, it is generally less harmful to your health than visceral fat. In fact, subcutaneous fat plays important roles in:

• Insulating the body

• Storing energy

• Cushioning muscles and joints

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That said, excess subcutaneous fat can still contribute to weight-related concerns and may impact mobility, self-confidence, or overall wellness.

 

​What is Visceral Fat?​​

​Visceral fat is located deeper in the body, surrounding vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Because it’s hidden beneath muscle, you can’t pinch or see it—but its effects can be significant.

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High levels of visceral fat are associated with increased risk for:

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Insulin resistance

• Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

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Visceral fat is biologically active, meaning it releases hormones and inflammatory substances that can interfere with normal metabolic processes.

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​Why This Matters.

​​​​​Two people can have the same weight or body mass index (BMI) but very different health risks, depending on how much visceral fat they carry. This is why a personalized, medical approach to weight and metabolic health is so important. Reducing visceral fat often requires more than diet and exercise alone. Hormones, genetics, stress, sleep, and insulin regulation all play a role.

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At Fort Myers Primary Care & Wellness, we focus on improving metabolic health—not just lowering the number on the scale. Through advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans, we help patients safely reduce harmful visceral fat while supporting long-term health and sustainability.

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If you’re curious about your body composition or want a more precise understanding of your health risks, we're here to help.