Belly Fat May Increase Heart Failure Risk

New findings presented at the American Heart Association EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 suggest that fat stored around the abdomen may significantly raise the risk of heart failure, even in individuals with a normal body weight. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, appears to be more harmful than overall body fat.

Researchers found that larger waist measurements were strongly linked to a higher likelihood of developing heart failure, while body mass index (BMI) showed little connection. This highlights that fat distribution may matter more than total weight when assessing heart health.

Inflammation was identified as a key factor explaining this relationship. Higher levels of inflammation, measured through blood markers, were associated with increased risk and accounted for a substantial portion of the link between abdominal fat and heart failure.

The study also reported that over a follow-up period of nearly seven years, individuals with greater waist size and inflammation were more likely to develop heart failure, emphasizing the importance of monitoring central obesity for early prevention.

23-03-2026