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A new study reveals a concerning link between visceral fat – the dangerous fat stored deep within the abdomen – and a faster rate of heart aging, irrespective of fitness level. Researchers are hopeful this understanding will unlock new avenues for preventative therapies.
the Silent Threat of Visceral Fat
For years, scientists have understood that aging is the biggest risk factor for heart disease. However,the reasons why some individuals experience accelerated aging of the cardiovascular system remain largely unkown.This groundbreaking research, published in the European Heart Journal, suggests that visceral body fat plays a notable role in speeding up this process. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, visceral adipose tissue surrounds vital organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver, and cannot be easily detected through visual inspection.
AI-Powered Insights from the UK Biobank
The study leveraged data from 21,241 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database. Researchers utilized advanced artificial intelligence to analyze detailed imaging of participants’ hearts and blood vessels, identifying signs of organ aging such as tissue stiffness and inflammation. This analysis allowed them to assign each individual a “heart age,” which was then compared to their chronological age. The findings clearly demonstrated a correlation: individuals with higher levels of visceral adipose tissue exhibited faster heart aging.
Sex-Specific fat Distribution and Hormonal Influences
Interestingly,the research also revealed key differences between men and women. A “male-type” fat distribution – characterized by abdominal fat, often described as an “apple” shape – was strongly associated with premature heart aging in men. Conversely, a genetic predisposition towards a “female-type” fat distribution – fat concentrated around the hips and thighs, or a “pear” shape – appeared to offer some protection against heart aging in women.
“We have known about the apple and pear distinction in body fat, but it hasn’t been clear how it leads to poor health outcomes,” stated a senior researcher involved in the study. “Our research shows that ‘bad’ fat, hidden deep around the organs, accelerates aging of the heart. But some types of fat could protect against aging – specifically fat around the hips and thighs in women.”
Moreover, the study identified a link between higher oestrogen levels in premenopausal women and a slower rate of heart aging, suggesting a potential protective role for this hormone.
Beyond BMI: The Importance of Fat Location
The research team also found that body mass index (BMI) alone is a poor predictor of heart age. This underscores the critical importance of understanding where fat is stored in the body,rather than simply focusing on total body weight.
Future Therapies and Lifestyle interventions
The researchers are optimistic that these findings will pave the way for new therapeutic interventions. They plan to investigate the potential of drug therapies, such as GLP-1 inhibitors (like Ozempic), to not only address diabetes and obesity but also to specifically target the aging effects of visceral fat.
“We also showed that BMI wasn’t a good way of predicting heart age which underscores the importance of knowing where fat is stored in the body and not just total body weight,” a lead researcher explained.”The goal of our research is to find ways to increase healthy lifespan.”
A chief scientific officer at the British Heart Foundation emphasized the broader implications of the study, noting that excess visceral fat is already known to contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”It is concerning that it could also help to speed up aging of the heart and blood vessels,” they said.
While pharmacological interventions are being explored, experts agree that adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity remain crucial steps in reducing visceral fat levels and protecting cardiovascular health.
