Science confirms it: this is the habit that reduces the most dangerous fat

The way the body stores fat changes with age, and not all fat deposits affect health in the same way. While subcutaneous fat, the kind stored just under the skin, serves normal functions, visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs, is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Against this backdrop, recent research has identified a strategy that may help reduce this particularly harmful type of fat. The study, which focused on older women, points to a combination of physical exercise and hormone therapy as a possible way to improve body fat distribution.

As we age, hormonal changes influence how fat is redistributed throughout the body. This process often promotes fat accumulation deep in the abdominal area, increasing health risks. In addition, traditional weight-loss methods do not distinguish between types of fat, which can also lead to a loss of muscle mass, an especially important concern for older adults.

A more targeted approach

The study analyzed 66 women over the age of 65 who were recovering from a hip fracture, an injury that often leads to reduced mobility and greater physical vulnerability. All participants followed a therapeutic exercise program, but only some of them also received testosterone gel as a complementary treatment.

After six months, the results showed that although there were no significant differences in total body weight or overall body fat, there was a meaningful change in how fat was distributed. The women who received the hormone treatment showed a reduction in visceral fat, while those in the other group experienced an increase, something commonly seen during this type of recovery process.

This finding suggests that it may be possible to target the most harmful fat more selectively without compromising other key factors such as muscle mass, which is essential for healthy aging.

Reducing visceral fat could help lower the risks associated with chronic diseases, especially during stages of life when the body is more vulnerable.

Although this is still an emerging area of research, the findings suggest that combining exercise with certain therapies may directly influence one of the most important factors in metabolic health.

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