By Jerry and Lisa Meloche, Pharm.D., Owners, Compounding Pharmacists
Not all body fat is the same. Some fat lies just beneath the skin, while visceral fat is stored deeper inside the abdomen, surrounding vital organs. Because of where it is located, visceral fat can have a greater impact on metabolic health. Research has linked excess visceral fat with inflammation, insulin resistance and increased cardiometabolic risk.
The good news is that lifestyle habits can play an important role in managing abdominal fat. While no single food can magically “burn” visceral fat, choosing nutrient-dense foods regularly can support a healthier metabolism.
Build Your Plate Around Nutrient-Dense Foods
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and other minimally processed foods provides fiber, vitamins, minerals and other compounds that support overall health. Research examining dietary patterns has found that higher-quality eating patterns are generally associated with lower amounts of visceral adipose tissue.
Some foods that can be part of a visceral-fat-conscious eating pattern include:
• Berries and other colorful fruits
• Leafy greens and other non-starchy vegetables
• Beans and lentils
• Oatmeal and other whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Fatty fish such as salmon
• Avocado and other sources of unsaturated fats
Fiber-rich foods can also help promote fullness and support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Instead of focusing on one “superfood,” think about creating an eating pattern that emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Food is only part of the equation. Regular physical activity is also associated with lower visceral fat. Research suggests that exercise can reduce visceral adipose tissue even when changes on the scale are modest.
When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t the Whole Story
For some individuals, lifestyle changes may not be enough to address excess abdominal fat or underlying metabolic concerns. This is where a conversation with a healthcare provider can be valuable.
One prescription therapy that has received FDA approval specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat is tesamorelin. Tesamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing factor analog. The FDA-approved indication is for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Tesamorelin works by stimulating the body’s growth hormone pathway, which increases growth hormone and subsequently affects levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in abdominal fat in the population for which the medication is approved. Importantly, the FDA labeling states that tesamorelin is not indicated for weight-loss management.
That distinction matters. Reducing visceral or abdominal fat is not necessarily the same thing as simply lowering body weight. A comprehensive approach considers body composition, metabolic health, medical history, medications, nutrition, physical activity and other individual factors.
A Personalized Approach to Metabolic Health
There is no single strategy that works for everyone. Eating more whole foods, getting regular physical activity and maintaining healthy sleep habits can provide an important foundation. For individuals with specific medical concerns, prescription therapies may also be considered when appropriate.
Tesamorelin requires medical evaluation because it is not appropriate for everyone. FDA prescribing information includes important warnings and contraindications, including concerns involving active malignancy, pregnancy, hypersensitivity and elevations in IGF-1.
If you are concerned about abdominal fat, metabolic health or changes in body composition, talk with your healthcare provider. A medical professional can evaluate your individual health history, laboratory results and goals and determine whether lifestyle changes alone or a medical treatment approach may be appropriate.
The goal isn’t simply a smaller number on the scale. It is supporting a healthier body from the inside out.
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