Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the hidden dangers of visceral fat, which can lead to significant health risks even in individuals with normal body weight. It highlights the importance of awareness regarding visceral fat and its impact on metabolic health and disease risk. Group 1: Visceral Fat as a Health Threat - Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines, and it is not visible like subcutaneous fat. This type of fat can lead to metabolic disorders and inflammation, posing serious health risks [6][7]. - The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a waist circumference of ≥90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women significantly increases the risk of visceral fat accumulation [7]. - Research published in The Lancet indicates that a 10% increase in visceral fat raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 13% and doubles the risk of diabetes [7]. Group 2: Causes of Excess Visceral Fat - High-sugar and high-fat diets are primary contributors to excess visceral fat. Consuming refined carbohydrates and trans fats leads to increased triglyceride synthesis in the liver, resulting in fat accumulation around internal organs. A study from Harvard University found that drinking one sugary beverage daily can increase visceral fat by 15% annually [9]. - Sedentary behavior and lack of exercise significantly contribute to visceral fat accumulation. Data from the Journal of Sports Medicine shows that sitting for two consecutive hours can reduce the activity of fat-decomposing enzymes by 90% [10]. - Chronic stress and lack of sleep also play a role in visceral fat accumulation. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, promote fat storage in the abdominal area. Individuals who sleep less than five hours per night accumulate visceral fat 30% faster than those who get adequate sleep [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the hidden dangers of visceral fat, which can lead to significant health risks even in individuals with normal body weight. It highlights the importance of awareness regarding visceral fat accumulation and its implications for metabolic health [5][6]. Group 1: Visceral Fat as a Health Threat - Visceral fat is described as fat that surrounds internal organs, which is not visible externally but poses serious health risks such as metabolic disorders and inflammation [6]. - The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a waist circumference of ≥90cm for men and ≥85cm for women significantly increases the risk of visceral fat-related health issues [7]. - Research published in The Lancet indicates that a 10% increase in visceral fat raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 13% and doubles the risk of diabetes [7]. Group 2: Causes of Excess Visceral Fat - High-sugar and high-fat dietary habits are identified as primary contributors to excess visceral fat. Consuming refined carbohydrates and trans fats leads to increased triglyceride synthesis in the liver, resulting in fat accumulation around internal organs. A study from Harvard University found that drinking one sugary beverage daily can increase visceral fat by 15% annually [9]. - Sedentary behavior and lack of exercise are also significant factors. Data from the Journal of Sports Medicine shows that sitting for two consecutive hours can reduce fat breakdown enzyme activity by 90%, making it easier for fat to accumulate in the abdominal area [10]. - Chronic stress and lack of sleep contribute to visceral fat accumulation. Elevated cortisol levels, a stress hormone, promote muscle breakdown and fat storage in the abdomen. Individuals sleeping less than five hours per night experience a 30% faster accumulation of visceral fat compared to those with adequate sleep [11].