Final answer:
Fat distribution can affect health by increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. Visceral fat, stored in the abdominal cavity, releases hormones and inflammatory factors that contribute to disease risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fat distribution can affect health in several ways. Visceral fat, which is fat deposited in the abdominal cavity, is a better predictor of disease risk than total fat mass. Visceral fat releases hormones and inflammatory factors that contribute to disease risk. Furthermore, excess body fat can place stress on the body and its organ systems, leading to diseases such as osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.