A recent study shows that combining improved diet quality with increased physical activity prevents more visceral fat gain—harmful abdominal fat around organs—than either alone, aiding effective weight loss.
Study Design and Key Findings
Researchers analyzed 7,256 UK adults from the Fenland Study, average age 49 at baseline, over about seven years. They measured physical activity via wearable sensors for 72+ hours, diet adherence to a Mediterranean pattern using food questionnaires, and body fat distribution with DEXA scans and ultrasound for fatty liver.
Those improving both habits gained 1.9 kg less total body fat (7% of baseline average) and 150 g less visceral fat (16% of baseline) versus no changes; single improvements yielded smaller gains.
After BMI adjustment, visceral fat reductions stayed significant, unlike subcutaneous fat, highlighting targeted belly fat loss. Improving both also linked to less weight gain and lower fatty liver risk.
Health Risks of Visceral Fat
Excess visceral fat raises risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s.
Expert Insights
Lead author Shayan Aryannezhad, MD, MPH, PhD, from University of Oxford, noted combined changes optimize fat distribution for metabolic health. Bariatric surgeons Mir Ali, MD, and Seth Kipnis, MD, affirmed any visceral fat reduction benefits patients, especially via complementary diet-exercise strategies. Those starting overweight or inactive saw largest gains, motivating broad application.
Related topics
