Heart surgeon warns of the invisible "killer" fat hiding in your belly

While many of us fret over the "pinchable" fat we see in the mirror, a leading heart surgeon is warning that the real danger lies where we cannot see it.

Dr Jeremy London, a cardiothoracic surgeon with 25 years of experience, shared a vital health update on Tuesday regarding visceral fat.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which sits under the skin, visceral fat hides deep within the abdomen, wrapping itself around essential organs like the liver and pancreas.

The danger stems from the fact that this fat is "highly metabolically active," effectively behaving like a rogue organ.

Dr London explains: “Subcutaneous fat is the fat that lives under our skin... But it's not nearly as dangerous as visceral fat, which lives deep in our bellies. It surrounds our organs.”

This hidden layer secretes inflammatory chemicals and converts hormones, significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart attacks. “It's very metabolically active, so much so that it functions as an endocrine organ in and of itself,” he noted.

To check your danger level, Dr London suggests a simple home test: the waist-to-height ratio. Divide your waist measurement by your height; a result over 0.5 indicates an increased risk.

For those worried, the surgeon offers a silver lining: visceral fat is often the first to go. “With a consistent exercise program, even just daily walks, you can really move the needle,” he explained, adding that combining movement with calorie control can "amplify the effects" and secure your long-term health.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.