1. What is Visceral Fat Area?

Visceral Fat Area (VFA) is a measurement of the fat stored deep in the abdominal cavity around internal organs. It's a more specific indicator of health risks than overall body fat percentage or BMI.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation specifically for women:

Where:

• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( WC \) — Waist circumference in centimeters

Explanation: The equation estimates visceral fat area based on age and waist circumference measurements, which are strong predictors of visceral fat accumulation in women.

3. Importance of VFA Measurement

Details: High visceral fat is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Monitoring VFA can help assess these health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure waist circumference at the midpoint between the lower rib and the top of the hip bone. Enter age in years and waist circumference in cm. All values must be valid (age between 1-120, WC > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy VFA range for women?
A: Generally, VFA under 100 cm² is considered healthy, 100-150 cm² indicates excess visceral fat, and over 150 cm² indicates high risk.

Q2: How does this differ from subcutaneous fat?
A: Visceral fat surrounds organs and is metabolically active, while subcutaneous fat lies under the skin. Visceral fat poses greater health risks.

Q3: Can men use this calculator?
A: No, this equation is specifically for women. Men require a different equation for accurate VFA estimation.

Q4: How often should VFA be measured?
A: For those with normal levels, annual measurement may suffice. For elevated levels, more frequent monitoring (every 3-6 months) may be recommended.

Q5: Are there more accurate ways to measure VFA?
A: Yes, CT or MRI scans provide direct measurement, but this equation offers a practical, non-invasive estimation method.