Why Belly Fat is a Bigger Threat to Your Heart Than You Realize

You might think that only those who are overweight need to worry about heart health, but extra padding around your belly can spell trouble for your heart even if you’re not technically overweight. According to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), being “apple-shaped” can significantly increase your heart risks. Why Waist Size Matters In the past, you may have relied on BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine your health risks. However, Dr. Ruwanthi Titano, a cardiologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, points out that BMI doesn’t tell you where fat cells are located in your body. Instead, what truly matters is where you carry your body fat. The Problem with Visceral Fat Research has shown that fat concentrated around your midsection is particularly problematic. A larger waist size can indicate more visceral fat — deep fat that wraps around your internal organs. This type of fat is not just sitting idly; it is metabolically active, releasing substances that promote inflammation and damage your blood vessels and organs. Visceral fat is associated with insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels...