Visceral adipose

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is body fat stored within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, it is metabolically more active and is strongly associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and insulin resistance. It releases inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids directly into the portal circulation, affecting liver metabolism.