When it comes to body composition and long-term health, where fat is stored matters as much as how much you have. One of the most important — and potentially dangerous — types of body fat is visceral fat. Unlike the fat you can pinch under your skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat lies deep within your abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs like your liver, pancreas, and intestines.
What Is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat acts like an internal organ of its own — one that can disrupt your metabolism and increase inflammation throughout the body. High levels of visceral fat are strongly linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Even people who appear lean on the outside can carry unhealthy amounts of visceral fat around their organs.
Why Visceral Fat Increases with Age
As we age, hormonal changes and slower metabolism make it easier for visceral fat to accumulate. Declining levels of growth hormone and testosterone reduce lean muscle mass, which in turn lowers the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. Stress, poor sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle can worsen this effect — leading to a gradual increase in abdominal fat, even without major changes in diet.
How to Treat and Reduce Visceral Fat
The good news — visceral fat is highly responsive to medical and lifestyle interventions.
1. Support Muscle and Metabolism
Strength training at least 2–3 times per week helps rebuild lean tissue and keep metabolism active.
2. Focus on Nutrition and Recovery
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Prioritize protein-rich meals (0.8–1g per lb of body weight)
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Limit processed carbohydrates and alcohol
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Manage stress and get restorative sleep
3. Medication Management
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Peptides for Growth Hormone Support:
Peptides such as CJC/Ipamorelin help naturally stimulate the body’s release of growth hormone, which supports fat metabolism, cellular repair, and lean muscle preservation. Unlike synthetic growth hormone, these peptides enhance your body’s own production in a gentle, physiologic way. Learn more about peptides.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
In both men and women, testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass and reducing visceral fat. Optimizing hormone levels through medically guided HRT can restore energy, improve metabolism, and support a healthier body composition. Learn more about hormone replacement therapy.
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GLP-1 Medications for Fat Loss or Microdosing for Longevity:
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have revolutionized medical weight loss by regulating appetite, stabilizing blood sugar, and promoting targeted fat reduction — including visceral fat. These medications have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, making them a powerful tool for metabolic health. Learn more about GLP-1 medication.
Tracking Progress with Precision in Bend, Oregon & Seattle, Washington.
At Flow Wellness, we use advanced Evolt Body Composition Analyzers to measure and track visceral fat — giving you an accurate picture of your internal health, not just the number on the scale. This scan helps our clinicians personalize your plan and monitor your progress over time as you lose fat, preserve muscle, and improve your metabolic profile.
Ready to take control of your health from the inside out?
Schedule your body composition scan and wellness consultation today to see where your visceral fat levels stand — and learn how our tailored medical therapies can help you reduce risk, boost energy, and feel your best.
Book Your Appointment at Flow Wellness
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Growth hormone analog peptides as discussed above are off-label and not FDA approved for these conditions. Peptides and GLP-1 prescriptions must be obtained by a licensed health professional.
