Hidden fat stored deep around the organs may accelerate the ageing of the heart, according to a new study led by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences in London.
Researchers analysed UK Biobank data from 21,241 people, using whole-body imaging and artificial intelligence to map fat distribution and detect signs of organ ageing. Each participant was assigned a 'heart age' and compared with their actual age at the time of scanning.
The study found that hearts aged faster in those with more visceral fat—the fat around the stomach, intestines and liver. People with an 'apple-shaped' body, carrying excess fat around the stomach, showed early heart ageing, particularly in men. However, 'pear-shaped' fat stored on the hips and thighs appeared to protect against heart ageing in women, especially before menopause, possibly due to higher oestrogen levels.
Professor Declan O'Regan, who led the research at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences and Imperial College London, said: 'Our research shows that “bad” fat, hidden deep around the organs, accelerates ageing of the heart. But some types of fat could protect against ageing – specifically fat around the hips and thighs in women.' He added that knowing where fat is stored is more important than total body weight when predicting heart age.
The team now plans to investigate whether weight-loss drugs such as GLP-1 inhibitors can reduce visceral fat and its ageing effects. Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, said: 'Eating a healthier diet and becoming more active can help to reduce visceral fat levels.'
