by Joshua C. Kreithen, MD – Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Sarasota, Florida. With advanced training in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Kreithen is recognized for his expertise in breast and body contouring, mommy makeover and comprehensive cosmetic surgery of the body after weight loss.
Known for his surgical precision and patient-focused approach, Dr. Kreithen combines artistic vision with the latest techniques to help patients achieve natural, balanced, and lasting results. From breast augmentation and lifts to body sculpting procedures such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, he customizes each treatment plan to the individual’s goals and anatomy.
Dr. Kreithen has earned a reputation for excellence in both surgical outcomes and compassionate care. Patients choose him not only for his technical skill, but also for his dedication to safety, innovation, and personalized attention—qualities that make him a
Visceral Fat, Real Risks, and Lasting Strategies for a Flatter, Healthier Midsection
When patients come to Holcomb Kreithen after significant weight loss or a liposuction procedure, one of the most common questions is: “How do I lose the belly fat I can’t see or pinch?” That deep, hard-to-shift fat is called visceral fat—and it matters for both appearance and long-term health. Below we explain what visceral fat is, what the best science-backed strategies are to reduce it, and why disciplined lifestyle choices after weight loss or body-contouring surgery are essential to protect your results and your health.
What Is Visceral Fat — And Why Should You Care?
Visceral fat lies deep inside the abdominal cavity, surrounding organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat (the soft layer just under the skin), visceral fat is metabolically active: it secretes inflammatory molecules and hormones that drive insulin resistance, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, and higher overall mortality. In short, carrying excess visceral fat is a metabolic risk factor, not merely an aesthetic concern.
Top Science-Backed Ways to Reduce Visceral Fat
There’s no single “magic bullet,” but decades of research point to several clear, evidence-based strategies that most reliably reduce visceral fat:
- Move regularly — aerobic exercise and strength training. Consistent physical activity lowers visceral fat through improved insulin sensitivity and increased fat oxidation. Both aerobic exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) and resistance training help; some studies show similar visceral fat benefits from moderate continuous training and interval training, so the best choice is the one you’ll do consistently. Strength training builds lean muscle and raises resting metabolic rate, making long-term fat control easier.
- Prioritize diet quality — whole foods and fiber. Diets packed with vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and especially soluble fiber (oats, beans, flax, psyllium) are strongly associated with lower visceral fat. Fiber slows digestion, reduces insulin spikes, and helps regulate appetite—small changes that add up to meaningful reductions in abdominal fat over time. Avoiding ultra-processed foods and excess added sugars is critical.
- Control alcohol intake. Alcohol—particularly frequent heavy drinking or binge patterns—has been linked to higher abdominal and ectopic (organ) fat. Moderation (or abstaining) supports visceral fat loss and metabolic health.
- Prioritize sleep and manage stress. Short or fragmented sleep and chronic stress both raise cortisol and disturb metabolic hormones, which promote visceral fat accumulation. Aim for 7–9 hours nightly and include daily stress-management strategies (mindfulness, light exercise, structured downtime). Good sleep and lower stress make other lifestyle changes far more effective.
- For some patients, medical therapy can accelerate meaningful change. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—now widely used under medical supervision for weight management—have been shown in trials to reduce total body fat and significantly lower visceral fat stores in many patients. These medications work by reducing appetite and improving metabolic signaling; they are a medical adjunct to, not a replacement for, sustained lifestyle change. Any medication plan should be supervised by a qualified clinician.
Why Liposuction and Surgery Aren’t the Whole Answer
It’s important to be clear about what surgery can and cannot do. Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat—the pinchable layer beneath the skin—not visceral fat inside the abdominal cavity. Several clinical studies have even observed an increase in visceral fat after large-volume liposuction unless patients maintain or increase physical activity after the procedure. That’s why liposuction is a contouring tool, not a metabolic cure. If you have significant visceral fat, the safest approach is to combine medical and lifestyle strategies to reduce it while using surgery to refine shape and proportion once you’re at a stable weight.
Maintaining Results: Why Lifestyle Matters After Weight Loss or Liposuction
Real, long-term transformation is both surgical and behavioral. Whether you lose weight with GLP-1 medications, bariatric procedures, or diet and exercise—and whether you refine contours with liposuction or body-contouring surgery—your long-term results depend on ongoing habits:
- Stable weight protects surgical outcomes. Significant weight fluctuations after body-contouring can stretch skin and shift fat, blunting surgical benefits. A consistent calorie balance and regular resistance exercise help preserve tone and definition.
- Activity prevents visceral fat rebound. Studies show that physical activity blunts compensatory visceral fat gains after fat-removal procedures. Regular exercise is perhaps the single most important post-op prescription for both health and aesthetics.
- Nutrition sustains metabolic improvements. Continuing a nutrient-rich, fiber-forward diet supports stable blood sugar and prevents central fat accumulation.
- Medical follow-up optimizes care. If you used GLP-1 therapy or other medications to lose weight, coordinate with your prescribing clinician and your plastic surgeon for timing around procedures and for long-term management. Holistic follow-up—labs, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and behavioral coaching—raises your odds of keeping results for life.
How Holcomb Kreithen Can Help You Toward Lasting Results
At Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in Sarasota, we approach abdominal and body contouring with a patient-centered, evidence-driven plan. That begins with realistic assessment: measuring where fat is distributed, reviewing your medical and medication history (including GLP-1 use), and outlining safe timing for any elective procedures. Our team combines medical weight-management referrals, nutritional counseling, and surgical expertise so that when you’re ready for contouring, the procedure complements—not substitutes for—your metabolic health plan.
If your goal is to reduce visceral fat for both health and appearance, or to refine your body after substantial weight loss, contact Holcomb Kreithen to schedule a personalized consultation. We’ll build a roadmap that includes medical oversight, lifestyle strategies, and, when appropriate, surgical options—so your transformation looks great and lasts.
Ready to learn what’s best for your health and shape? Book a consultation at Holcomb Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in Sarasota, Florida—and take the next evidence-based step toward a healthier midsection and lasting results.