organfett

Organfett, commonly known in English as visceral fat, refers to the fat tissue located inside the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It is distinct from subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin. Unlike some other fat depots, organfett is metabolically active and engages in endocrine and inflammatory signaling.

Organfett plays a role in energy storage and padding, but excessive amounts are linked to adverse health outcomes. Greater visceral fat is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Because it surrounds vital organs, its presence is a stronger predictor of metabolic risk than subcutaneous fat alone.

Measurement and distribution: Visceral fat is not directly visible from the outside; waist circumference is a practical proxy, while imaging methods such as MRI or CT can quantify its amount. Factors influencing organfett include genetics, age, sex, hormones, physical activity, diet, and sleep. Men tend to accumulate more visceral fat at younger ages, while postmenopausal women may lose protection.

Reduction and management: Lowering visceral fat typically requires sustained weight loss through a combination of caloric deficit and physical activity, including both aerobic exercise and resistance training. Diet quality matters; reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars can help. In some cases, medical treatments or bariatric surgery may be considered for obesity, under professional guidance.

In summary, organfett refers to visceral fat—an active fat depot with significant implications for metabolic health. Its quantity and distribution influence disease risk, and management focuses on gradual, large-scale lifestyle changes.