Many people focus on the number on the scale when thinking about weight loss and general health. While weight can provide some insight, it doesn’t always tell the full story. One factor that plays a major role in long-term health is visceral fat, a type of fat that accumulates deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs.
Patients who want a clearer picture of their metabolic health can benefit from working with Douglas Hilbert, MD, FACP, a board-certified internal medicine physician in San Antonio who provides personalized preventive care through concierge medicine.
What Is Visceral Fat?
Not all body fat behaves the same way. Visceral fat forms deeper inside the abdomen and surrounds organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. This differs from subcutaneous fat, which sits directly under the skin and is the type most people can see or pinch.
Because visceral fat is located near important organs, it interacts more actively with the body’s metabolic processes. This can influence hormone signaling, inflammation, and the body’s management of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Why Visceral Fat Matters for Long-Term Health
Higher levels of visceral fat are associated with several chronic health concerns. Unlike other types of fat, visceral fat releases inflammatory compounds and hormones that may affect multiple systems throughout the body.
Over time, excess visceral fat may increase the risk of conditions such as:
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Fatty liver disease
• Metabolic syndrome
These changes often develop gradually, which is why many patients do not realize visceral fat may be affecting their health.
Why It’s Not Always Visible
One challenge with visceral fat is that it cannot always be identified solely by appearance. Some individuals who appear to have a healthy weight may still harbor higher levels of visceral fat.
This is why more advanced health evaluations can be valuable. Detailed body composition analysis can measure how fat is distributed throughout the body, providing insight beyond standard weight measurements.
A comprehensive physical exam may include body composition analysis to measure visceral fat levels, muscle mass, and metabolic rate.
A Preventive Approach to Metabolic Health
When visceral fat is identified early, patients have more opportunities to improve their long-term health. Changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep habits, and metabolic monitoring can help reduce visceral fat and support healthier body composition.
Through concierge medicine, physicians can track these changes over time and help patients create strategies that support sustainable improvements in overall health.
Preventive Health Care in San Antonio
If you want a clearer understanding of your metabolic health and overall wellness, call 210-614-4000 to book your appointment with Dr. Hilbert.
