Diabetes Health in The News Podcast: Heart Disease Risk Affected by Belly Fat
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High fat levels are generally associated with poor health. However, a new study has shown that stomach fat, in particular, could increase your risk of heart disease.
The study examined 1,000 adults and followed them over six years. It was found that participants with high stomach fat – sometimes referred to as a “spare tire” – were at a greater risk for heart disease than others. This included participants with visible fat on other parts of their bodies, like the “love handles.”
The researchers found that high stomach fat levels led to several abnormalities – low HDL, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high diabetes risks. However, researchers point out that this is simply an association and not necessarily a cause and effect relationship.
These findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on September 26, 2016.
