Short answer: Visceral fat is the fat stored deep within your abdomen around your internal organs, including your liver, pancreas and intestines. Unlike the fat that sits just beneath your skin (subcutaneous fat), excess visceral fat has been associated with an increased risk of developing several chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. A Total Body Composition DEXA Scan provides an accurate measurement of visceral fat, helping you better understand your overall health and monitor changes over time.
Long answer:
Not all body fat is the same.
Your body stores fat in different locations, each with a different role in maintaining health.
Subcutaneous Fat
Subcutaneous fat is the fat found just beneath the skin. It provides insulation, stores energy and helps protect your body. While excess amounts may contribute to weight gain, subcutaneous fat is generally considered less harmful than visceral fat.
Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is stored much deeper within the abdomen and surrounds important organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.
Although some visceral fat is normal and necessary, higher levels have been associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions because this fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat.
Research has shown that excess visceral fat may be associated with:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Because visceral fat surrounds your organs, it cannot be accurately assessed simply by looking in the mirror or stepping on the scales.
Can You Have High Visceral Fat Without Looking Overweight?
Yes.
Some people have a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the healthy range but still carry higher amounts of visceral fat. Others may have a higher BMI but relatively low visceral fat.
This is one reason why body weight alone does not always provide a complete picture of your health.
A Total Body Composition DEXA Scan measures visceral fat directly, providing information that cannot be obtained from standard bathroom scales or BMI calculations.
How Is Visceral Fat Measured?
There are several ways of estimating visceral fat, including waist circumference and medical imaging.
A Total Body Composition DEXA Scan is one of the most accurate, low-radiation methods available for assessing body composition. It measures:
- Total body fat
- Lean muscle mass
- Bone mineral content
- Fat distribution
- Visceral fat
These measurements can help establish a baseline, monitor progress over time and support discussions with your healthcare professional.
Can You Reduce Visceral Fat?
The good news is that visceral fat often responds well to healthy lifestyle changes.
Strategies that may help reduce visceral fat include:
- Participating in regular physical activity
- Completing both resistance and aerobic exercise
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Getting adequate sleep
- Managing stress
- Maintaining healthy body weight over time
There is no single food or supplement that specifically targets visceral fat. Sustainable lifestyle changes remain the most effective approach.
If you have concerns about your weight, nutrition or body composition, an Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide personalised guidance based on your individual health goals.
Key Takeaways
- Visceral fat is stored deep around your abdominal organs.
- Higher levels of visceral fat have been associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions.
- Body weight and BMI do not accurately measure visceral fat.
- A Total Body Composition DEXA Scan provides an accurate assessment of visceral fat alongside muscle mass and body fat.
- Healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce visceral fat over time.
Ready to Better Understand Your Health?
Understanding your visceral fat is about more than simply knowing your weight. It can provide valuable insights into your overall health and help you monitor changes over time.
If you’d like to learn more about your body composition or determine whether a Total Body Composition DEXA Scan is right for you, our team at WLC Medical is here to help.
To book an appointment or speak with our friendly team, call (08) 6263 7778, or book online through our website.
References
- Healthy Bones Australia.
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD).
- World Health Organization (WHO).
- National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- American Heart Association.
- National Heart Foundation of Australia.
- Peer-reviewed systematic reviews relating to visceral adiposity, cardiometabolic risk and body composition assessment.
Last reviewed: September 2026
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you have questions about visceral fat, body composition or your overall health, please speak with your GP or our Accredited Dietitians.
