The feeling of fat depends on its location in the body. Most of our body fat, about 90%, is subcutaneous fat, which is located just beneath the skin and generally feels soft to the touch. However, visceral fat, which makes up the remaining 10%, is located deeper, under the abdominal wall, and is not directly accessible to feel. So, while some fat feels soft, the deeper visceral fat is not felt as soft through the abdominal wall.
Understanding Different Types of Body Fat
Body fat isn't a uniform substance, and where it's located impacts how it feels:
- Subcutaneous Fat: This is the fat you can easily feel by poking your belly. According to the reference, this type of fat accounts for approximately 90% of body fat and feels soft.
- Visceral Fat: Also known as intra-abdominal fat, this type makes up about 10% of total body fat. It is located deep beneath the abdominal wall and cannot be felt directly. This fat does not contribute to the soft or hard feeling that is typically associated with surface fat.
Feel of Body Fat: Softness Vs Hardness
| Type of Fat | Location | Typical Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous Fat | Layer just beneath the skin | Soft |
| Visceral Fat | Beneath the firm abdominal wall | Not directly felt, not typically perceived as hard |
Practical Insights:
- The softness you experience when you pinch your skin is mainly due to subcutaneous fat.
- You cannot typically feel the hardness or softness of visceral fat due to its deeper location.
Therefore, the feeling of fat depends on where it's located; subcutaneous fat feels soft, while visceral fat is not directly felt through the abdominal wall as hard or soft.
