Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 7/9/2025

What are the 5 types of belly fat and how do they differ?

Belly fat can be divided into different types, mainly subcutaneous and visceral fat, which differ in their location and health effects.

answer background

Explanation

Belly fat is not all the same. It can be divided into different types based on where it is in the body and how it affects health.

1. Subcutaneous Fat: This is the fat that you can pinch under your skin. It's usually less harmful to health.

2. Visceral Fat: This fat is deeper inside, around your organs like the liver and intestines. It can be more harmful and is linked to health problems.

3. Other Types: While the main focus is often on subcutaneous and visceral fat, there are other types mentioned in research, like intramuscular fat, which is found in muscles, and ectopic fat, which can be in places like the liver.

Understanding these types of fat can help in managing health better. It's important to know that visceral fat is often more concerning for health than subcutaneous fat.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Overweight

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.