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All You Need To Know About Visceral Fat

Have you come across the term visceral fat? You’ve likely heard it mentioned. It refers to the unwanted belly fat that forms deep inside the abdomen. This type of fat is considered particularly dangerous because it surrounds your vital internal organs, including the liver and intestines. It’s often referred to as active fat because it directly influences how hormones function within the body.

Why Visceral Fat Is a Concern

Visceral fat can pose a number of health risks. If you have more fat stored than your body requires, especially around the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, your body becomes inflamed. This kind of fat stores inflammatory white blood cells, which is why belly fat has been linked to cognitive decline, arthritis, diabetes, and more.

The inflammatory substances generated by excess fat known as cytokines, are major contributors to heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. When the body is inflamed, the liver struggles to process cholesterol and toxins effectively, leading to plaque build-up in the arteries. Visceral fat is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease markers such as:

  • High triglycerides
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol levels

In addition, visceral fat plays a significant role in insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Refer to the image below to know more:

Visceral Fat

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Visceral Fat

While regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet are essential to keeping visceral fat in check, how you cook your meals also matters.

Healthier Cooking Methods:

✔️ Boiling
✔️ Steaming
✔️ Baking
✔️ Grilling

These methods help reduce excess fat in meals while preserving nutrients.

Foods That Encourage Belly Fat:

❌ Trans fats (found in some meats, dairy, deep-fried and processed foods)
❌ Sugary drinks like sodas
❌ Confectionery, baked goods, and other foods sweetened with fructose

Managing visceral fat is not just about aesthetics — it’s about protecting your long-term health. Small, sustainable changes to your eating habits, cooking style, and daily routine can go a long way in reducing this harmful fat.

To understand more about visceral fat and how to lose it effectively, connect with your GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here. For more articles on weight loss, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Why Longevity Must Be India’s Next Health Mission

For the first time in human history, living to 90 or even 100 is no longer a rare feat—it’s becoming the norm. But behind this celebration of longer life lies a sobering truth: we’re living longer, but not necessarily better.

Across the world, people are spending more of their later years grappling with chronic illness, frailty, and declining independence. This trend, often called the “decompression of morbidity,” is stretching health systems, straining economies, and impacting quality of life on a massive scale.

We are standing at the edge of a demographic revolution. The core challenge facing us today isn’t how to extend lifespan—we’ve already done that. The real question is: How do we extend health span?

What Is Healthspan – and Why Does It Matter

Healthspan refers to the years a person lives in good health, free from serious illness, mental decline, and disability. It’s about not just how long you live, but how well you live.

Imagine reaching the age of 80 and still being physically active, mentally sharp, and emotionally fulfilled. That’s the promise of healthy longevity—and it’s not just a dream anymore. Thanks to advances in medicine, genomics, artificial intelligence, and preventive healthcare, we now know that ageing is not fixed. It’s flexible. Malleable. Even reversible in some areas.

Science has shown that the processes that cause ageing—cellular damage, inflammation, loss of muscle and cognitive function—can be slowed, delayed, and in some cases, restored. But to turn this knowledge into reality, we need a complete shift in how we approach health.

A System Built for Sickness, Not for Longevity

Most healthcare systems today are reactive. They wait for the disease to appear, then scramble to treat it. But by the time symptoms show up, the damage is often already done.

A longevity-focused approach flips this model. It emphasises early detection, continuous monitoring, lifestyle interventions, and personalised care. Instead of simply treating illness, we need to start managing ageing itself—tracking biological age, not just the number on a birth certificate.

This requires investment not only in technology, but in rethinking everything from urban planning and public health policies to diet, exercise, and social connection. Longevity is not a pill or a procedure—it’s a lifestyle supported by a system that enables it.

The Global Wake-Up Call

The urgency is clear. Several research papers on longevity indicate that by 2050, nearly 20% of the global population of estimated 8.2 billion will be over 65, double the percentage from just a few decades ago. This isn’t a challenge for the future, it’s one we must face today.

While ageing populations have long been associated with wealthier countries, the reality has changed. The majority of the world’s older adults now live in low- and middle-income countries. Places like India, with a rapidly growing elderly population, are on the frontlines of this shift.

And yet, this is also where the greatest opportunity lies.

Why India Can Lead the Longevity Movement

India has a unique advantage in the global longevity landscape. We are a young nation, demographically speaking, but also home to over 140 million people over the age of 60, a number expected to double by 2050. This duality gives us the urgency and the scale to build solutions for both present and future generations.

But more importantly, India brings something few other countries do: a culture that already values holistic well-being. For centuries, our traditions have emphasised the balance of mind, body, and spirit through yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and community living. These aren’t just cultural practices; they are pillars of a longevity lifestyle.

Combined with our digital innovation, scientific talent, and entrepreneurial energy, India is well-positioned to develop, test, and export models of healthy ageing that are affordable, scalable, and rooted in prevention.

The XPRIZE Signal: A $101 Million Push Toward Longevity

The global focus on healthy ageing has never been stronger, and leading this momentum is the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, a groundbreaking $101 million initiative challenging innovators worldwide to rethink what’s possible in longevity science. The mission is bold: to develop solutions that can rejuvenate the body and mind of people aged 50–80, restoring muscle strength, cognitive abilities, and immune function by at least a decade, all within just 12 months.

It’s a call to the world’s brightest minds to not just extend life, but to meaningfully turn back the biological clock.  Among the 40 global semifinalists—and the only one representing India – is GOQii’s Project Sanjeevini, an advanced health platform that seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence, genomics, and behavioural science to deliver deeply personalised, real-time care. Designed to adapt to each individual’s unique biology and lifestyle, Sanjeevini represents a bold new approach to healthy ageing on a global scale. Unlike typical wellness tools, Sanjeevini operates as a living, learning system—tracking biological markers in real time and delivering targeted interventions based on user behaviour and biology.

This kind of bold thinking is what we need more of—urgently. The longevity movement is not about extending elite access to anti-ageing tools. It’s about creating systems and environments where everyone, regardless of income or geography, can thrive in later life.

Redefining Ageing, Globally and Personally

We need to rewrite the story of ageing—from a period of decline to a time of continued growth, contribution, and vitality. A 70-year-old should not be seen as someone winding down, but as someone potentially hitting a new stride, with the support of an intelligent, personalised health system.

This isn’t science fiction. It’s a global health strategy whose time has come. India can—and must—be a leader in this transformation. Not just for its people, but for the world. Because when we invest in longevity, we’re not just adding years to life—we’re adding life to years.

#BeTheForce

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What Is Visceral Fat & Why It Is Dangerous

visceral fat

You might have heard of the term belly fat, but you might not be aware of terms like subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the kind you can grasp with your hand on any part of your body. It sits under the skin. Belly fat, or what experts call visceral fat, is a particularly dangerous type of fat that forms inside the abdomen. It surrounds internal organs like the liver and intestines, and is also known as ‘active fat’ because it influences how hormones function in the body.

You can have too much belly fat even with a normal BMI. So, pay attention to your waist circumference rather than the number on the scale.

How To Measure It

  1. Waist size: This is an easy way to get a rough estimate. Wrap a tape measure around your waist over your belly button (don’t suck in your stomach). For women, 35 inches or more is a sign of visceral fat. For men, it’s 40 inches.
  2. BMI: Body mass index is a formula for how much you weigh relative to your height. A BMI of 30 or higher is overweight. That could be a sign of visceral fat. In Asia, a BMI of 23 or higher could be a concern.
  3. Waist-to-hip ratio: Divide your waist size by your hip size. Some doctors think this gives a good indication of your risk for visceral fat. But studies suggest it may be no better than a simple waist measurement.
  4. Body shape: Look in the mirror. If you’re an apple – a big trunk and slimmer legs – it often means more visceral fat, which is more common among men. Women are more likely to be pears with bigger hips and thighs. Research shows that upper body fat is more dangerous to your health, which might be one reason why women usually live longer than men.
  5. Imaging tests: These scans are the only way to check the exact amount of visceral fat you have. If your doctor orders a CT scan or an MRI for another medical condition, they can also assess your visceral fat.

Risks & Dangers Of Excess Visceral Fat

  • Increased Inflammation: If you have more fat stored than needed, especially around visceral organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, your body becomes inflamed. This fat stores inflammatory white blood cells and is linked with cognitive decline, arthritis, diabetes, and more.
  • Higher Risk of Diabetes: Visceral fat plays a significant role in insulin resistance, heightening the risk of developing diabetes. Abdominal fat is viewed as a bigger health risk than hip or thigh fat. While men are more likely to store visible visceral fat, women are also at risk.
  • Makes It Harder to Lose Weight: Stored body fat, especially visceral fat, affects hunger levels. Leptin, a hormone released by stored fat, regulates appetite, metabolism, and weight. When you eat refined carbs such as white flour and sugar, fat-storing hormones are produced in excess, raising your body’s “set point” and making it hard to follow a moderate, healthy diet.
  • Higher Risk for Heart Disease and Strokes: Inflammatory cytokines produced by fat contribute to heart disease and other inflammatory disorders. Visceral fat is linked to cardiovascular risk factors like high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • More Likely to Battle Dementia: Studies show that people with larger waistlines have a higher risk of dementia. In fact, many experts believe visceral fat levels (rather than BMI) are a more relevant risk factor in dementia development.
  • Increased Risk of Depression and Mood Disorders: Visceral fat is metabolically active and can interfere with hormones and neurotransmitter function. Depression is especially associated with greater fat storage in women. In one study, visceral fat – not subcutaneous belly fat or waist circumference – was linked with depressive symptoms in women over 50.

How Can You Reduce Visceral Fat? 

  • Exercise: A mix of cardiovascular exercise (e.g. running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, circuit training) and strength training (e.g. squats, weights, push-ups) helps reduce visceral fat.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which increases fat storage around the abdomen. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and other stress management practices can support fat loss.
  • Balance Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains (quinoa, millets, oats), and lean proteins (skinless chicken, fish, eggs, beans). Calcium and Vitamin D are also associated with lower visceral fat. Include leafy greens, tofu, sardines, and low-fat dairy products.

Boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling are healthier cooking methods. Avoid trans fats (often found in processed foods and deep-fried items) and reduce sugar intake. Check labels for ingredients like “partially hydrogenated oils” or “high-fructose corn syrup.”

We hope this article helps you! If you are keen on losing weight in a healthy, sustainable way, you can reach out to an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

For more articles on weight loss, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Enabling Choices: How GLP-1 is Transforming Weight and Well-being Globally

A flat lay of wellness essentials including a GLP-1 medication pen, healthy food, water, sleep mask, and fitness tracker — symbolising holistic support for weight and health management.A Science-Based Shift from Shame to Strength

Let’s talk about weight — not as a number on the scale, but as a story we’ve been telling, often with shame, judgement, and whispered critiques. Across cultures, weight has been more than just about health; it’s been tangled up in expectations, appearances, and societal pressure.

For women, it’s long been linked to worth, desirability, and social acceptance. For men, mockery often comes disguised as humour, while lifestyle stress quietly takes its toll.

But a new story is emerging. And this time, it’s backed by science.

From Willpower to Biology: A Paradigm Shift

For decades, the weight-loss conversation has been stuck in a simplistic formula: eat less, move more. If you didn’t succeed, the blame fell on your discipline — or supposed lack of it.

But modern science tells a different story.

Weight is not just about willpower — it’s deeply influenced by how our brains regulate hunger, how our hormones respond to food, and how our bodies manage insulin.

Enter GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists — a class of medications initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide work by mimicking the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone, helping to regulate appetite, glucose levels, and feelings of fullness.

What doctors began to notice was that many patients weren’t just managing their diabetes better — they were also losing weight, sustainably and safely.

Endocrinologists noted that this was science supporting the body to function as it was meant to — managing hunger cues, curbing intense cravings, and balancing metabolism.

A Tool, Not a Shortcut

Let’s be clear: GLP-1 therapies are not miracle pills. They’re tools — and remarkably effective ones — but they work best when used alongside healthy lifestyle habits like balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, good sleep, and mental well-being.

This isn’t about chasing an ideal body image. It’s about improving metabolic health, enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing cardiovascular risk, boosting energy, and improving long-term quality of life.

For many people who have tried everything — from extreme diets to punishing fitness routines — GLP-1 treatment has been the first time they’ve felt in control.

Hunger is no longer all-consuming. Eating becomes mindful, not guilt-ridden. Their bodies start responding, not resisting.

Language Matters: From Fat Loss to Health Gain

It’s time to change the way we talk about weight and wellness.

Let’s move away from phrases like “fat loss” and instead centre conversations around “health gain.” Let’s talk about hormone balance, liver health, and emotional regulation — not just waistlines.

When we reduce health to aesthetics, we risk turning a deeply personal and biological journey into a beauty contest. GLP-1 therapies remind us that health isn’t about being thinner — it’s about being stronger, more balanced, and more in tune with your body.

A Personal Journey, Backed by Science

GLP-1 therapy is not a shortcut — it is a signal of a larger shift. From blame to understanding. From shame to support. It’s a tool that gives people their agency back.

For too long, the message has been: You need to try harder.
Now, science says: You deserve better tools.

Whether you’re navigating weight challenges, prediabetes, or simply trying to feel better in your body, know this:

You are not broken.
You are not weak.
You are not alone.

You’re human — and now, finally, the science is humanising your struggle.

The future of wellness isn’t about perfection.
It’s about empowerment, equity, and informed choice.
And with tools like GLP-1, we’re not just transforming bodies —
we’re transforming the very conversation around health.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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