ST
Scot Tschirgi
Dec 19, 2025
A PARADIGM SHIFT
Changing how we think about Visceral Fat signifies nothing short of a paradigm shift. Understanding a closer approximation of the true nature of Visceral Fat (VF) is not merely a matter of updating our knowledge base but represents a fundamental change to weight loss. Description, implications, and a new way forward are the main elements of VF to consider.
Description: VF is strangely unique, and not in a good way for any of us. If VF were found on a tree, we would easily label it a parasite akin to Spanish Moss or Mistletoe. If left unchecked, both of these damage, and in many cases, kill their host tree. Very much like these two plant parasites, VF attaches to the host (us) in order to acquire nutrients to survive and grow. And like Spanish Moss and Mistletoe, VF can damage and even kill, that is, in so far as VF’s effects lead to dangerous, life-threatening conditions.
Is VF a part of, that is, indistinguishable from our bodies? It appears VF is more like a parasite and without any real redeeming qualities in today’s world that might qualify VF as performing in a symbiotic role. Unrelated but useful for comparison, for instance, we have discovered mitochondria, which, while somewhat distinct, may also technically be a part of us. Mitochondria clearly provides many services to us and, importantly, actually resides in our cells. Another example: more recently, we are finding that “good types of gut bacteria” perform many important functions and, while certainly NOT part of our bodies, per se, gut bacteria are most probably symbiotic parasites.
How does VF work? We don’t really know where VF originates, but it operates by creating its own circulatory system that accesses our own. Once attached inside us this way, VF taps into and literally feeds off our blood supply selecting the nutrients that it can use. VF only siphons off digested carbohydrates—simple sugars—from our blood in order to sustain itself while also continuously transporting the carbs to grow the visceral fat cells from which its name is derived—being mainly located near the host’s viscera (organs). Different than other fat cells in humans, VF does not respond to near-term glucose drops by opening “cellular doors” that release its stored glucose for human energy consumption. Instead, any carb-based glucose that VF acquires from circulating human blood is stored but never willingly releases its glucose.
Way Forward: We can never get to a healthy weight and maintain it without, in effect, collapsing (destroying) the Visceral Fat (VF) we are carrying. VF lives on carbs only. Neither can it grow without large and continuous (usually increasing amounts of) carbs. Thus, only a serious diet that emphasizes proteins and dietary fat, but strictly limits carbs of all types and especially cuts out high-glycemic carbs, can successfully cause the VF to shrink and eventually collapse. The process takes time but has the added benefit that initial reduction in the size of the VF will significantly reduce the noise, cravings, voices, (i.e. hormone reduction) that makes it easier/possible to keep going. The worst mistake we can make in this successful process is to quit before the utter collapse of the VF. After sticking with it through the VF collapse, a maintenance diet emphasizing regular weigh-in’s, featuring plenty of proteins, dietary fat, fiber, and strictly limiting daily carbs (with emphasis on low glycemic type carbs) is the best prescription for maintaining a life-long healthy weight. Knocking out VF, once and for all, is the key. Nothing else will work long term.