A major new study conducted by researchers at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Sciences and Imperial College London has uncovered a startling link between visceral fat—the fat stored deep inside the body around internal organs—and accelerated aging of the heart. Using artificial intelligence to analyze thousands of medical images, the research reveals that even individuals who appear healthy and have a normal body weight may be at heightened risk of cardiovascular decline if they carry excess visceral fat. This discovery not only challenges traditional health metrics such as body mass index (BMI), but it also offers a new direction for early detection and prevention strategies, particularly for men who are more prone to abdominal fat accumulation.
The study analyzed data from over 21,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term health resource containing extensive imaging and clinical data. Using whole-body MRI scans combined with advanced AI algorithms, the researchers were able to assess the distribution of fat in each participant and compare it with cardiovascular tissue aging. One of the most significant outcomes was the creation of a “heart age” metric. This involved evaluating structural and functional indicators of heart health—such as tissue stiffness and inflammation—and comparing these biomarkers with the individual’s chronological age. The findings were compelling: individuals with higher levels of visceral fat showed heart tissue characteristics that resembled those of much older individuals, regardless of their BMI or overall body weight.
What made the study particularly striking was its gender-specific findings. Men, who are more likely to accumulate fat around the abdomen, were found to be at significantly higher risk of having an older-appearing heart. This so-called “apple-shaped” fat distribution pattern is now understood to be a significant contributor to premature heart aging. In contrast, women—particularly those who are premenopausal and have a “pear-shaped” fat distribution, with fat stored around the hips and thighs—appeared to be protected. In many of these women, the “heart age” was found to be several years younger than their actual age. Researchers believe that estrogen plays a key role in this protective effect, helping regulate fat distribution and mitigating the negative impact of visceral fat on cardiovascular tissues.
Professor Declan O’Regan, who led the study, emphasized the need to shift the medical focus from total body weight to fat distribution. He noted that for decades, BMI has been the primary metric for assessing obesity-related health risks. However, this research clearly shows that BMI does not account for where fat is stored in the body—a critical factor in determining cardiovascular health. Two individuals with identical BMI scores could have vastly different heart health outcomes based on their visceral fat levels. The research team believes that identifying these hidden fat patterns early could lead to far more effective preventive care.
Artificial intelligence was instrumental in unlocking these findings. By rapidly processing tens of thousands of imaging data points, AI tools enabled researchers to identify subtle signs of cardiac tissue aging, including early stiffness and inflammation, which are often invisible in standard diagnostic evaluations. This AI-powered methodology also allowed for more personalized health assessments, offering a scalable tool for early detection of cardiovascular risk in clinical settings.
The broader implications of the study extend beyond diagnostics. With visceral fat now recognized as a significant driver of cardiovascular aging, attention is turning toward interventions that can effectively target and reduce this hidden fat. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction have long been recommended for general heart health, but they now take on renewed importance in the context of visceral fat reduction. Importantly, this research may also pave the way for medical interventions using new drug therapies. The research team is planning further investigations into whether GLP-1 inhibitors—commonly used to manage diabetes and obesity—might also slow heart aging by reducing visceral fat levels. If successful, this could open a new chapter in cardiovascular disease prevention, using both lifestyle and pharmaceutical strategies to preserve heart function as people age.
This study arrives at a time when heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and many individuals remain unaware of hidden risk factors. Visceral fat, often undetectable without advanced imaging, may be silently accelerating cardiovascular decline in millions. This new research brings much-needed visibility to an often-overlooked threat and emphasizes the importance of individualized assessments in preventive medicine.
The study also sends an important message about health equity and personalized care. While the traditional approach to heart disease risk has largely relied on broad categories such as weight and age, the integration of AI and precision imaging allows for a more nuanced understanding of individual health profiles. This is particularly valuable for men, who may not recognize the risks posed by abdominal fat, and for healthcare providers seeking to offer more targeted advice and treatment plans.
By highlighting the dangers of visceral fat and the inadequacy of conventional health metrics, this AI-aided research encourages a paradigm shift in how we assess and manage cardiovascular risk. It underscores the power of modern medical technology not only to detect hidden threats but also to empower individuals—especially men—with the knowledge and tools needed to take proactive steps in safeguarding their long-term heart health.