An excess of belly fat -- the visceral fat that lies deep inside the abdomen and surrounds the abdominal organs -- often is blamed for increasing the risk for metabolic problems, such as insulin resistance (inability of cells to readily accept insulin) and diabetes. But a new study suggests that a more significant problem is excess fat found inside the liver, a condition called fatty liver disease.

Researchers evaluated obese people who had similar levels of belly fat but different levels of liver fat (either high or normal)... and those who had similar levels of liver fat but different levels of belly fat (again, either high or normal). Findings: Metabolic risks were significantly higher in people with excess liver fat than in those with normal levels of liver fat, regardless of belly fat levels.

Bottom line: People who are obese but do not have high levels of fat in the liver should be encouraged to lose weight... but those who also have elevated liver fat (as determined by a physical exam, blood tests and/or imaging tests) should seek aggressive treatment to help them lose weight. Good news: Losing even a little weight can markedly reduce liver fat.