Deep fat can go too
- Published in
- Obes Rev 2016
- People studied
- 4,815
A review of 117 studies with 4,815 people found that both diet and exercise can reduce the fat around the organs.
- Checked against
- PubMed 27213481
- Published in
- Obes Rev 2016
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This pooled analysis of 117 studies with 4,815 people measured fat around the organs (deep, or visceral, fat) on scans. Both diet and exercise reduced it. Diet led to more weight loss, while exercise tended to reduce deep fat more. Even without weight loss, exercise went with about 6% less deep fat.
At a glance
- Type of study
- review pooling 117 studies (meta-analysis)
- People studied
- 4,815
- Compared with
- diet against exercise
- Main result
- Both diet and exercise reduced fat around the organs.
- Strength of evidence
- Long-term or observational studies
What this study does not show
The studies mixed many designs and groups, and the edge for exercise was not statistically clear. Body weight on the scale did not always reflect changes in deep fat.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on fat
- Less fat around the organsSmall or uncontrolled studies · Gepner et al., Circulation 2018
- Deep fat can go tooLong-term or observational studies · Verheggen et al., Obes Rev 2016
- Less fat inside the bellySmall or uncontrolled studies · Ross et al., Ann Intern Med 2000
- Lower inflammation markersRandomised trials · Esposito et al., JAMA 2003
- More exercise, less deep fatRandomised trials · Recchia et al., Br J Sports Med 2023
- Smaller waist, less inflammationRandomised trials · Rahimi et al., Biol Res Nurs 2022
The next step is a conversation, not a decision
A licensed doctor decides whether any treatment is right for you. The answer can also be no treatment.
1You fill in a short form
2We call you within 24 hours
3A paid 20-minute video consultation with a doctor
4The doctor goes through your options and decides what is right for you