Ask the doctor: Why is visceral fat a problem?
The amount of visceral fat each of us carries is to some degree influenced by our genes, as well as the drop in estrogen that occurs at menopause. While most of us have both subcutaneous fat around our waist and some visceral fat beneath, a waistline measurement provides a good estimate of visceral fat. A waist circumference greater than 35 inches is a sign of increased risk for conditions associated with visceral fat.
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