How does abdominal fat affect your health? Study answers

A recent study highlights the significant health risks associated with abdominal fat accumulation, particularly around vital organs like the liver and pancreas.

Researchers from the University of Western Australia found that increased fat around the abdomen is linked to a higher risk of chronic pain in various body regions. The study, which examined health data from over 32,000 Britons aged 55 and older, involved MRI scans to measure visceral fat (fat around internal organs) and subcutaneous fat.

Participants reported any pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, or knees. After two years, 638 participants were reassessed, revealing that higher abdominal fat correlated with increased pain reports. The study also found that excess weight and a higher BMI contributed to a greater likelihood of experiencing pain.

Women with high levels of abdominal fat were 60 percent more likely to suffer from chronic pain compared to men, who were 13 percent more likely. Researchers noted that high levels of fat tissue are associated with increased chronic pain risk for both genders, but the effect was more pronounced in women. This discrepancy may be due to differences in fat distribution and hormonal variations.

The researchers suggest that excess fat may lead to inflammation, a process where the body releases chemicals in response to damage, triggering an immune response.