Visceral Fat Assessment
INTRODUCTION
Understanding Visceral Fat
Not all body fat is created equal. While some sits under the skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat lies deep inside the abdomen, surrounding vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike the fat you can pinch, visceral fat is metabolically active and closely linked to serious health conditions – even in people who appear slim.
A Visceral Adipose Fat Assessment using DEXA technology measures this hidden fat precisely and safely. At Bone Muscle Scan, our advanced scanners quantify Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) volume and distribution, providing an accurate picture of your internal health.
Why Visceral Fat Matters
High levels of visceral fat are strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Even modest reductions in visceral fat can lead to significant improvements in metabolic health and energy levels.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around two-thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese, but many underestimate their internal fat burden. VAT assessment allows for early detection and intervention – before these risks progress.
Conditions
Common Visceral-Fat-Related Conditions
Metabolic Syndrome
- Overview: A cluster of metabolic abnormalities including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol.
- Causes: Excess visceral fat, sedentary lifestyle, high-sugar diet, insulin resistance, genetics.
- Risks: Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, fatty liver.
- Treatment options: Weight loss, regular exercise, improved diet, blood pressure and glucose control.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Overview: Fat accumulation within the liver not caused by alcohol use.
- Causes: Visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, obesity, high-fructose diets.
- Risks: Liver inflammation (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis.
- Treatment options: Weight loss, dietary modification, exercise, medical management.
Cardiovascular Risk from Central Obesity
- Overview: Visceral fat increases arterial inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Causes: Poor nutrition, inactivity, stress, genetic predisposition.
- Risks: Coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension.
- Treatment options: Lifestyle modification, medical therapy for lipids and blood pressure, structured weight management.
What the Scan Involves
You’ll lie comfortably while the DEXA scanner captures detailed images of fat distribution. The radiation exposure is extremely low – far less than a standard X-ray – and the process takes only about ten minutes. Results include a VAT volume (cm³) and a visceral fat rating, helping you benchmark your health risk and track progress.
Why Choose Bone Muscle Scan
At Bone Muscle Scan, we view VAT analysis not as a vanity metric, but as a powerful preventive health tool. Under the guidance of our experienced clinical team, each report includes a medical overview of your visceral-fat findings, while – connecting the data to practical changes in fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. Whether your goal is disease prevention or body optimisation, this scan provides the most precise foundation available.