GetFit Weight Management Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
EXCESS VISCERAL ABDOMINAL FAT AND ADIPOSITY
The GetFit Weight Management addresses lipodystrophy and adiposity in PLWHA.
Lipodystrophy contributes to negative body image affecting PLWHA’s daily lives.
Lipodystrophy refers to a group of rare conditions characterized by generalized or partial lack of body fat, and is associated with severe metabolic problems.
Excess visceral abdominal fat:
Feels firmer than regular fat (which is soft and doughy).
Lies deeper in the abdominal area (not simply under the skin like regular fat).
Surrounds the organs.
May be associated with fat accumulation in the organs.
May be hard to reduce with diet & exercise alone.
Too much visceral fat can lead to many serious health issues, such as certain cancers, heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and more…
Regular fat (subcutaneous fat):
Stored just beneath the skin, can grab and pinch between your fingers.
In addition to the belly, it collects mainly around your hips, butt, and thighs.
Genetics determine the amount of subcutaneous fat you start with.
If you have diabetes or are insulin resistant, you may end up with higher levels of subcutaneous fat.
Too much subcutaneous fat is also often a sign that you have too much visceral fat!