Study Reveals Hidden Fat Around Organs Ages the Heart Faster

A new, expansive study involving over 21,000 participants has challenged long-standing beliefs about weight and heart health. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, reveals that the location of fat in the body, rather than the overall amount of weight, significantly influences heart aging. Visceral fat, the fat hidden deep around vital organs, poses a greater threat to heart health than visible body fat.

Using artificial intelligence to analyze cardiac MRI scans, researchers from the UK's Medical Research Council assessed each individual's "heart age" by examining factors such as artery stiffness, muscle function, and tissue damage. They discovered that visceral fat can substantially age the heart beyond one's chronological years, while certain types of fat could offer protective benefits.

Men with abdominal fat demonstrated faster heart aging, while women's premenopausal hip and thigh fat appeared to protect their hearts. The study highlighted how visceral fat, which envelops organs like the liver and intestines, actively releases inflammatory toxins into the bloodstream, thus accelerating heart disease and increasing heart aging.

Professor Declan O'Regan, the lead researcher, emphasized that visceral fat was a more significant factor for heart health compared to other types of fat, which is a revelation that contradicts the traditional focus on excess weight. The study also debunked the reliability of the Body Mass Index (BMI) as an indicator of heart health, noting that thin individuals with elevated visceral fat levels could have worse heart health than overweight individuals with safer fat depots.

The findings have important implications for strategies to counteract the effects of visceral fat. Suggested measures include adopting a diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugar, increasing protein and fiber intake, and incorporating strength training into exercise routines. Managing stress and supporting hormonal health, particularly for women, were also recommended strategies.

Changes in gut health, including boosting levels of healthy bacteria through fermented foods and probiotics, may help redirect fat storage away from the organs. Moreover, improving insulin resistance through dietary adjustments and intermittent fasting can further mitigate the adverse effects of visceral fat.

Overall, this study redefines the approach to assessing heart health risk, shifting focus from weight alone to the distribution of fat in the body. By addressing visceral fat through targeted nutrition, exercise, and stress management, individuals can improve their heart health and potentially reverse the effects of aging on their hearts.