exercise therapy Archives | Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic

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The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Why HIIT Gets Rid of Visceral Fat — The Science Behind Anaerobic Exercise

HIIT interrupts this cycle by dramatically improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle — particularly in the large lower-limb muscles of the thighs and glutes. A single 20-minute session of HIIT can activate GLUT-4 transporters in muscle cells for up to 24–48 hours, drawing glucose out of the bloodstream and away from storage in the liver and visceral fat depots.

Exercise and Digital Tools Should Be the First Line in Reducing Visceral Fat in Cardiac Patients

We use waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as a screening tool, followed by low-dose CT to measure VAT index (VATI) against gender- and ethnicity-specific thresholds. Where VATI is high, patients enter a six-month digital lifestyle programme using tools like the Dr Shape food app, CGM, and body composition scales. Pharmacological therapy, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, is reserved for non-responders—making this a precise, cost-effective, and highly personalised pathway for VAT reduction.