Hidden body fat is linked to faster heart aging, researchers say
Researchers say ‘bad’ fat accelerates ageing of the heart
- Research indicates that hidden ‘bad’ fat surrounding organs like the stomach, liver, and intestines is associated with increased inflammation, which can accelerate heart ageing.
- This premature heart ageing elevates the risk of heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and other serious cardiac events.
- A study utilising AI to analyse heart scans from over 21,000 individuals in the U.K. Biobank revealed sex-specific differences in heart ageing.
- While belly fat was linked to early heart ageing in men, it had the opposite effect in women. There were also ties between higher oestrogen levels and a slowdown of heart aging.
- Experts advise that adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity can help reduce levels of this visceral fat, even in individuals who maintain a healthy external weight.