Hidden Visceral Fat Linked to Accelerated Heart Aging, Study Finds

A study published in the European Heart Journal shows that excess visceral fat—fat stored deep around organs—may accelerate aging of the heart and blood vessels. Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences analyzed UK Biobank data from over 21,000 participants using whole-body imaging and AI-based heart scans. Participants were assigned a “heart age,” revealing that greater visceral fat was strongly associated with faster heart aging and increased inflammation.

Interestingly, the study found sex-specific differences. In men, abdominal or “apple-shaped” fat distribution predicted early aging, while in women, fat stored around the hips and thighs (“pear-shaped”) appeared protective. Higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women were also linked to slower heart aging, suggesting a hormonal influence.

The findings highlight that BMI alone is not a reliable predictor of heart aging, underscoring the importance of fat distribution. Researchers suggest lifestyle changes and emerging therapies, including GLP-1 drugs, may help target harmful visceral fat.

06-09-2025