New Delhi, Jan. 7 -- When people talk about "belly fat", they usually mean the soft layer of tissue in the abdomen. While a moderate amount of belly fat can be harmless, doctors warn that two different types exist. You should not confuse subcutaneous fat with visceral fat.

Subcutaneous fat lies just beneath the skin and is visible to the eye. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is stored deeper inside the abdomen, behind the abdominal wall and around vital organs. This hidden fat is far more dangerous than surface fat and many people remain unaware of its presence until it begins to affect their health.

Visceral fat is metabolically active and releases inflammatory substances and hormones that disrupt normal bodily functions. High levels o...