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].