Story perspectives

Hidden Visceral Fat: A Silent Threat to Heart Health

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

McMaster University researchers report that visceral fat around organs poses health risks even for people with a normal BMI.
In a study of 33,000 adults, researchers linked visceral fat to artery damage, raising stroke and heart-disease risk.
Current BMI measures may underestimate risks, especially in older adults.
Experts urge imaging to identify hidden fat and to develop personalized prevention strategies.
The findings show that being slim does not guarantee heart health.

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Story summary

McMaster University researchers report that visceral fat around organs poses health risks even for people with a normal BMI.
In a study of 33,000 adults, researchers linked visceral fat to artery damage, raising stroke and heart-disease risk.
Current BMI measures may underestimate risks, especially in older adults.
Experts urge imaging to identify hidden fat and to develop personalized prevention strategies.
The findings show that being slim does not guarantee heart health.