Fat stored around the abdomen is different from fat stored just underneath the skin.

Some abdominal fat surrounds the internal organs. This is known as visceral fat.

Higher amounts of visceral fat are associated with:

• Insulin resistance
• Higher triglycerides
• Fatty liver
• Raised blood pressure
• Increased cardiovascular risk

This is why your waist measurement can sometimes tell us more about metabolic health than weight alone.

There is no need to aim for rapid weight loss.

Even modest, gradual reductions in weight and waist measurement can improve metabolic and liver health.