Your heart may be older than you think—new research links visceral fat to the ageing of our hearts. After studying 21,000 adults, scientists at UK Biobank linked belly fat to heart age, showing how visceral fat accelerates heart ageing and harms blood vessels.
Ageing is one of the biggest and uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease. The other uncontrollable risk is genetics. Risk factors that you can control include weight, diet, smoking, stress, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol, and being sedentary.
How does visceral fat age our heart?
The scientists used MRIs to show how fat around the hips and thighs differed from fat stored around the organs in the abdomen. The more visceral fat, found in the abdomen, the older the heart and blood vessels appeared. The scientists also found signs of inflammation in the blood of people with more visceral fat. The fat stored around the hips and thighs, which is primarily seen in pre-menopausal women, was protective against heart ageing and inflammation.
Visceral fat can be challenging to measure, as even if you are active, you may still have excessive visceral fat surrounding your organs.
The researchers say that one of their goals is to improve healthy lifespan by showing how and where body fat is stored affects longevity.
What can you do?
The good news is that visceral fat responds to the basics. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fibre, meaning one that is full of fruits and vegetables. Exercise, including strength training and vigorous aerobic exercise. Managing stress, including good sleep habits, can reduce visceral fat.
More good news. Join the November Challenge and improve your heart age!
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
PS: What is the November Challenge?
Whether you’re looking to get back on track, build healthy habits, or feel better heading into the winter, this challenge is designed to help you stay consistent and motivated—without the overwhelm.
✅ Daily movement goals
✅ Simple nutrition tips
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✅ Support + accountability
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress. One day at a time. One small change at a time. Big results. Are you in?
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Eat better, live better and feel better.
Do you want to be your best at any age? Tired of feeling old and tired? You can make healthy changes at any age. It is not too late to put yourself on the "to-do list". Start looking better and feeling better right now.
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