Fat is something we all have in common. Fat for you, fat for me, fat for him and fat for her! (See fat can be fun sometimes, just kidding). But, did you know there are different types of fat in your body? Yes, there’s the pinch-able fat you can see in the mirror and then there’s the fat that you just can’t itch. It’s the firm, round belly with a hollow knock. What makes them so different?

Pinch-able fat, also known in medical terms as subcutaneous fat, is fat that lies just below your skin and above your muscles and its job is to provide you with that extra layer of warmth. It sits just under your skin like a little blanket. Subcutaneous fat is found all over the body, not just in your mid-section. (Thanks for the love, fat) It’s the area we store our “extra” calories when we decide to eat a pint of Ben and Jerrys. No judgements from us. We’ve all been there and done that.

Firm fat, also known as visceral fat, is fat that sits around your organs, providing a firm, protective layer. It’s fat that can’t be touched. In fact, the only real way of seeing how much visceral fat you have is through expensive scans. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is only found in your belly. However, this type of fat is the unhealthy kind. This is the type of fat associated with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Total buzz kill, right?!

It is rare for us to find an individual that likes the amount of fat they have, so how do we get rid of it? When it comes to visceral fat there is only ONE way of getting rid of it, dietary change and overall weight loss. There is no liposuction, Coolsculpting, or exercise that’s going to make visceral fat disappear. However, there are a few options for reducing subcutaneous: dietary modification, exercise, liposuction, or Coolsculpting. So why does any of this matter? Chances are that if you’re reading this, you want to make a change. You can only make that change if you know where you’re starting. We can help you with that change. Educating patients on available options to help reach their goals is our passion. Performing procedures (such as liposuction or Coolsculpting) is our strength. Now, go kick that fat out of your life!