What is "skinny fat" and what does it do to livers

"Skinny fat" refers to individuals who may appear lean but have a high body fat percentage and low muscle mass. This condition can have serious implications for liver health.

When a person has excess visceral fat, even if they aren't visibly overweight, it can lead to fat accumulation in organs like the liver. This condition, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can significantly impair liver function. The liver's ability to regulate glucose and lipids is compromised, possibly leading to insulin resistance and greater fat accumulation both in the liver and other organs like the pancreas. This cascade can exacerbate metabolic disorders and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases 1.

Additionally, maintaining a diet that involves constant eating or eating within extended time windows can lead to the liver being persistently active, thereby increasing inflammatory markers. This can further damage the liver, contributing to diseases like NAFLD. Time-restricted eating has been shown to improve liver health by reducing inflammation and promoting better metabolic functions 2.

Therefore, it's important for "skinny fat" individuals to engage in regular physical activity and observe healthy eating schedules to maintain liver health and overall metabolic function.