Visceral body fat is a unique type of fat that accumulates within the abdomen, surrounding essential internal organs. Its accumulation increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, calculating visceral body fat is crucial for evaluating overall health and wellness.
Calculating visceral body fat involves using various tools and techniques, from simple waist circumference measurements to advanced imaging methods. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a basic metric used to measure the relationship between weight and height but does not differentiate between visceral and subcutaneous fat. Recent advancements have seen the development of more precise methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).