Visceral fat loss leaves 10-year 'metabolic legacy,' cutting diabetes risk by 28% despite weight regain

Article excerpt

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that losing visceral fat, the dangerous internal fat surrounding organs, confers lasting metabolic benefits for at least a decade, even after people regain the weight. A study of lifestyle interventions showed that participants who shed visceral fat experienced a 28% reduction in diabetes risk years later, despite their body weight returning to baseline. The finding suggests that the type of fat lost matters more than total weight regain, offering a glimmer of hope for long-term health outcomes from short-term diet and exercise efforts.