Abdominal fat deposits pose a significantly greater risk to the cardiovascular system than overall excess weight. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the United Kingdom, who presented the results of a large-scale study at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico.

Fat Distribution Patterns and Health Risks

The traditional body mass index (BMI) is calculated based on a person's height and total weight, without considering where fat accumulates. Visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs in the abdominal cavity, can actively influence metabolism. It constantly releases markers of chronic inflammation into the bloodstream, which over time damage blood vessel walls and accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

The Study and a New Diagnostic System

An analysis of medical data from 382,769 people in the UK Biobank over 12 years was conducted using a new diagnostic system proposed by The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology commission. This model assesses abdominal obesity by measuring waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio in combination with BMI, allowing for the identification of so-called "preclinical obesity." In this state, a person may not yet have diagnosed conditions such as hypertension, joint pain, or diabetes and may appear healthy, but hidden cardiovascular risks are already at a high level.

The Impact of Abdominal Obesity on Mortality

Abdominal obesity was identified as one of the factors increasing the risk of premature death. The analysis showed that excess fat concentrated in the abdominal area raises the likelihood of early death from various causes, regardless of overall BMI.

Among women with preclinical obesity, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was 38% higher, and mortality from these diseases was 46% higher compared to participants with a normal percentage of abdominal fat. For men with similar hidden risks, the probability of death from heart attacks and strokes was 52% higher. Each additional increase in waist circumference proportionally raised the threat to life.

The Importance of Measuring Waist Circumference

Implementing simple and accessible waist circumference measurements in everyday medical practice allows for timely identification of people at risk. Early adjustments to diet and physical activity in such cases can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths worldwide each year.