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Visceral fat cannot be measured directly without imaging, but it correlates strongly with waist circumference, BMI and age. This index combines those three in the manner of bioimpedance scale algorithms, scaled 1-20 where 10 and above is elevated. Only CT or MRI gives a true visceral fat area; this is a screening estimate.
Composite index
index = 0.35(waist - reference) + 0.3(BMI - 20) + 0.06(age - 30)
Interpretation
10 and above is considered elevated on scale-style indices
These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
Because it drains into the portal vein, delivering fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines directly to the liver, which drives insulin resistance.
It responds faster than subcutaneous fat to calorie deficit and aerobic exercise, so early waist reduction usually reflects visceral loss.