Hidden Body Fat & Heart Health: Risks & What to Know
- Excessive visceral fat - the fat stored around internal organs - is associated with a faster rate of heart aging, according to a new study published in the...
- The study, conducted by scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences in London, UK, also revealed sex-specific differences.
- The research team analyzed data from 21,241 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource.
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Visceral Fat Linked to Accelerated Heart Aging, Study Finds
Table of Contents
Published September 6, 2025, at 11:17 AM
Key Findings
Excessive visceral fat – the fat stored around internal organs - is associated with a faster rate of heart aging, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Researchers found that this type of fat may accelerate the aging process of the heart and blood vessels, self-reliant of chronological age.
The study, conducted by scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences in London, UK, also revealed sex-specific differences. Specifically, fat distribution around the hips and thighs appeared to be associated with slower heart aging in women.
Study Methodology & Data
The research team analyzed data from 21,241 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource. The UK Biobank provides detailed phenotypic data, including whole-body imaging to map fat distribution. This imaging data was crucial for quantifying both visceral and subcutaneous fat levels.
Researchers utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze detailed heart and blood vessel imaging, identifying signs of organ aging such as tissue stiffness and inflammation.This analysis allowed them to calculate a “heart age” for each participant, wich could then be compared to their actual chronological age. A notable difference between heart age and chronological age indicated accelerated aging.
Visceral Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat
It’s crucial to distinguish between visceral and subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat lies directly under the skin and is generally considered less harmful than visceral fat. Visceral fat, however, accumulates around vital organs like the liver, intestines, and heart. This proximity allows it to release hormones and inflammatory substances that can negatively impact metabolic health and cardiovascular function.
| Fat Type | Location | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Visceral Fat | Around internal organs | Increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. |
| Subcutaneous Fat | Under the skin | Generally less harmful; provides insulation and cushioning. |
Sex-Specific Findings
The study highlighted notable differences between men and women. While visceral fat was consistently linked to accelerated heart aging in both sexes, the researchers observed a potential protective effect of fat around the hips and thighs in women. This suggests that fat distribution may play a different role in cardiovascular health for men and women.
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these sex-specific differences and to determine whether interventions targeting fat distribution could be beneficial for preventing heart disease in women.