Body Fat

Location Matters

"Fat behaves differently depending on where it’s located: the belly, thighs, or near your organs. When it comes to health, location of fat matters.

Visceral fat: The fat deep in the belly and around organs has a major impact on the liver, an organ critical to metabolism. It’s also linked to diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, and dementia.

 Blood that leaves visceral fat goes directly to the liver and brings with it anything made by the fat tissue, including fatty acids, hormones, and pro-inflammatory chemicals. We build up more visceral fat with age. Fat storage shifts from the lower body to the belly, especially in women.


Subcutaneous fat: The fat just under the skin is the most plentiful in the body. This type of fat acts differently depending on where it's located, according to  Susan K. Fried, PhD. Subcutaneous belly fat makes more fatty acids, which can increase insulin resistance and the risk of metabolic disease. Subcutaneous fat in the lower body, on the other hand, takes up and stores fat efficiently. It’s considered protective against disease."

the above is from WebMd.com website

Visceral - refers to the location of fat cells (white fat) in the internal organs of the body

This is white fat that wraps around your internal organs like your liver, intestines, and pancreas.

Deep inside your abdomen, not visible from the outside.

Too much visceral fat is linked to serious health issues like heart disease, interferes with hormone function, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

 

Subcutaneous - refers to the location of white and brown fat cells found right under the skin.

This is the fat you can pinch.

Found all over your body, for example, arms, thighs, belly, hips, etc.

It’s generally less dangerous than visceral fat and provides insulation and cushioning for your body, but too much can still be a concern for overall health. It's where the body stores excess calories as energy.
 

White Fat - These are the most abundant type of fat cells.

The most common type of fat in the body.

Stores energy and produces hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism.

A healthy amount is essential, but excess white fat (especially around the belly) is linked to obesity and health risks.

Common Places White Fat Accumulates:

Abdomen
– This is the most well-known area (belly fat), and includes both subcutaneous and visceral fat.

Thighs
– Especially in women, white fat tends to store here as part of natural energy reserves.

Hips and Buttocks
– Another common storage site, particularly for women. This type of fat can be hormonally influenced and tends to be subcutaneous.

Upper Arms
– Especially the backs of the upper arms (triceps area) can hold more white fat, often noticed with age.

Lower Back
– Fat can collect around the lower back and “love handle” areas.

Chest and Breasts
– In both men and women, fat can accumulate in the chest area. For women, breast tissue is largely made of subcutaneous fat.

Face and Neck
– White fat can collect in the cheeks, under the chin (double chin), and neck.

Why It’s There

White fat stores energy for when your body needs it. While it’s essential in moderate amounts, too much—especially in the abdominal area—can raise health risks.

 

Brown Fat - A "good" type of fat that actually burns calories to create heat.

What’s unique about brown, or thermogenic, fat is that it burns energy and produces heat in certain conditions, like cold weather. People with more brown fat tend to be leaner and healthier, compared to those with less brown fat. Studies show that brown fat improves metabolism and reduces the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure. It’s found in the neck, upper chest, shoulder, and stomach.

Mostly found in the neck and upper back. Babies have more brown fat to help keep them warm.

Brown fat is being studied for its potential in weight loss and metabolic health because it helps burn energy instead of storing it.

Where Brown Fat Is Located:

Neck and Shoulders
– The largest deposits are typically found in the supraclavicular area (just above the collarbone and around the neck).

Upper Back
– Around the shoulder blades (scapular region).

Spine and Along the Upper Chest
– Near the vertebrae and around the heart area.

Around the Kidneys
– Smaller amounts may be found around deeper organs, though this is more prominent in infants.

Brown fat is being studied for its potential to aid in weight loss and improve metabolic health because, unlike white fat, it burns calories to maintain body temperature.

If a person has excess subcutaneous fat do they most likely have visceral fat?

Often yes: People with higher overall body fat, especially around the midsection, tend to have both types of fat.

But not always: Some individuals (especially women or athletes) may have more subcutaneous fat and little visceral fat.

And vice versa: Thin people can sometimes have high visceral fat (“TOFI” – thin outside, fat inside), especially if they’re inactive or have poor metabolic health.

In Short: Subcutaneous fat doesn't necessarily mean visceral fat, but the more subcutaneous fat can be a sign that visceral fat might also be present—especially if the subcutaneous fat is concentrated around the belly.

pHix targets Visceral Fat and pHit targets Subcutaneous Fat

Disclaimer:  The statements in this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The testimonials you hear and/or see are for informational purposes only and are the actual experiences of the product users sharing them. Always talk with your health care provider with any questions. Individual results may vary.
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