Sex-specific body fat distribution predicts cardiovascular ageing
Overview
Paper Summary
This study found that higher amounts of visceral fat (belly fat) are associated with an older "cardiovascular age" than expected for one's actual age, particularly in men. Gynoid fat (fat in the hips and thighs) showed a protective link to cardiovascular age in women. The study was limited by its predominantly white, UK Biobank population and cross-sectional design.
Explain Like I'm Five
Visceral fat (belly fat) is bad for your heart health, especially in men. For women, having more fat in the hips and thighs may actually be protective.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
D.P.O'R. has received funding from Bayer AG and Calico.
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This is a large study with interesting findings, but it has limitations. It is cross-sectional (can't prove causation) and relies on an unrepresentative UK sample with limited ancestral diversity. The conflict of interest with pharmaceutical companies should also be noted.
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