The Hidden Fat You Can’t See in the Mirror (And How to Measure It)

When most people think about fat, they picture the kind they can pinch around their waist or hips. But there’s another type of fat that you can’t see in the mirror, and it’s far more dangerous: visceral fat. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which sits under the skin, visceral fat surrounds your internal organs and is strongly linked to long-term health risks.

At Kalos, we use DEXA Scan technology to measure visceral fat with precision, helping clients uncover hidden risks and take action before it’s too late.

Why Visceral Fat Is Dangerous

1. Surrounds Vital Organs

Visceral fat accumulates around the liver, pancreas, and intestines, disrupting their function.

2. Linked to Metabolic Disease

High levels of visceral fat are associated with insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

3. Invisible from the Outside

Even people with a “normal” BMI or lean appearance can have high visceral fat, a condition often referred to as being “skinny fat.”

4. Increases Inflammation

Visceral fat produces inflammatory compounds that accelerate aging and disease risk.

Why the Scale or Mirror Can’t Help

• The scale only shows total body weight, not fat type or location.
• The mirror shows subcutaneous fat but hides visceral fat.
• BMI doesn’t account for fat distribution at all.

This is why so many people assume they are healthy, while internal fat tells a different story.

How DEXA Scans Measure Hidden Fat

A DEXA Scan provides:

• Visceral fat quantification: precise measurement of hidden abdominal fat.
• Fat distribution mapping: shows where fat is stored across the body.
• Trends over time: track whether lifestyle changes are reducing visceral fat or not.

With this data, you can make informed choices about diet, training, and lifestyle that specifically target visceral fat reduction.

How to Reduce Visceral Fat

• Strength Train: Builds lean muscle that increases metabolic health.
• Prioritize Protein and Whole Foods: Reduces insulin spikes and supports fat loss.
• Add Cardio and Daily Activity: Walking, cycling, and HIIT all help reduce abdominal fat.
• Sleep and Stress Management: Poor sleep and high stress drive fat storage around the midsection.

Don’t Ignore the Fat You Can’t See

Visceral fat may be hidden, but it’s one of the most important health markers to track. With DEXA Scan, you can measure it accurately, reduce your risks, and take back control of your long-term health.

Book Your DEXA Scan with Kalos Today in Downtown San Francisco or Palo Alto!

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos, your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

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