GLP-1 Medications May Activate Visceral Fat
- Valerie Sutherland, MD
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
If you’ve heard about GLP-1 medications like Wegovy®, Zepbound®, or Saxenda®, you know they help people lose weight by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. But new research suggests there’s another reason they work so well — they may actually help your body burn more of the most dangerous kind of fat.
What Is Visceral Fat?
Visceral fat is the fat stored deep inside your abdomen, wrapped around your organs.It’s different from the fat under your skin — and it’s much harder to lose.Too much visceral fat is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
The Study
Researchers followed 30 people with obesity and sleep apnea for 24 weeks. Participants were assigned to:
GLP-1 medication (liraglutide)
CPAP therapy (a breathing machine for sleep apnea)
Both GLP-1 + CPAP
Special PET-CT scans measured how active each person’s visceral fat was — in other words, how much energy it was burning.
The Results
Only the GLP-1 groups showed a significant boost in visceral fat activity.
The more active the visceral fat became, the more weight the person lost.
People with lower visceral fat activity at the start lost the most weight on GLP-1 therapy.
Why It Matters
This is the first human study to show that GLP-1 medications may help the body burn visceral fat more actively — not just reduce calories in.That means the weight loss benefits could be coming from both appetite control and a metabolic boost.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications are the most effective weight-loss medicines available today, and they may also improve your body’s ability to target harmful belly fat. More research is on the way, but this is exciting news for long-term weight and health improvement.
Thinking about weight loss options?
Our clinic offers personalized medical weight management, including GLP-1 therapies when appropriate.📅We measure and track VAT and all patients are seen by a physician board certified in Obesity Medicine with over 10 years of experience.
Take Back Your Health,
Valerie Hope-Slocum Sutherland, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Obesity Medicine 2015
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine 2005
Founder, Rainier Medical Weight Loss and Wellness, 2015
