What can excess visceral fat increase the risk of?

Excess visceral fat is strongly associated with an increased risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is stored under the skin, visceral fat surrounds vital organs, and its presence can have significant implications for overall health.

Visceral fat is metabolically active and releases inflammatory hormones and cytokines that can lead to insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels—all of which contribute to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The accumulation of visceral fat can disrupt normal hormonal functions and negatively impact metabolic health, thus underscoring its role in chronic disease risk.

Therefore, a high level of visceral fat is a critical health concern that warrants attention when considering an individual's overall health and wellness strategy. The other options do not appropriately correlate with the effects of visceral fat; they suggest benefits or improvements that are not typically realized in the presence of excess visceral fat.