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Fat hidden around organs and stored in the liver can silently harm arteries – even in individuals who appear slim – as per a significant study.

Researchers from McMaster University inCanadaexamined MRI scans and health information from over 33,000 adults in Canada and the United Kingdom.

They discovered that visceral fat—fat that accumulates around internal organs—was closely associated with the thickening and blockage of the carotid arteries, which carry blood to the brain.

Constriction of these arteries is a significant risk factor for stroke – and could also suggest that other essential blood vessels, like those delivering blood to the heart, are starting to become obstructed.

The results, featured in Communications Medicine, question the traditional use of body-mass index (BMI) as an indicator of obesity.

“This research indicates that despite considering conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol and blood pressure, visceral and liver fat continue to play a role in damaging arteries,” said co-lead author Professor Russell de Souza, from McMaster’s Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact.

He characterized the findings as “a wake-up call for both medical professionals and the general population.”

Co-lead author Professor Marie Pigeyre, from McMaster’s Department of Medicine, stated that the study emphasizes the importance of developing better methods to evaluate fat distribution—rather than relying solely on total weight or waist measurement.

“You can’t always determine by simply observing a person if they have visceral or liver fat,” said Professor Sonia Anand, the lead author and specialist in vascular medicine at Hamilton Health Sciences.

This type of fat is biologically active and harmful – it is associated with inflammation and damage to blood vessels, even in individuals who do not appear overweight.

Experts emphasize that the findings highlight the significance of imaging techniques to detect ‘hidden’ fat deposits which increase the risk of heart disease, and may result in more tailored prevention approaches.

The report indicates that as many as 60 percent more adults might be categorized as obese if a significant revision of the BMI system, suggested by specialists, is implemented.

According to existing guidelines, a BMI ranging from 18.5 to 25 is considered normal, between 25 and 29 indicates being overweight, and 30 or higher is classified as obese — the level at which the likelihood of severe health issues significantly increases.

However, 58 global experts this week proposed a revision in the way obesity is assessed, contending that BMI by itself is too simplistic a measure.

They recommend including waist size and weight-to-height ratio to provide a more comprehensive view of unhealthy body fat.

Scientists from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, after analyzing information from over 300,000 American adults, discovered that implementing the new definition would increase the number of individuals categorized as obese by nearly 60 percent.

In the UK, where approximately 13 million adults are currently overweight, the same projection might result in that number rising to almost 21 million.

Experts described the results as ‘significant’ and cautioned that the ‘notable increase in obesity rates’ might lead to ‘major economic and health-related consequences’.

According to the suggested guidelines, individuals might be classified as obese even if their BMI is under 30, provided they have at least two elevated measurements, including a waist circumference exceeding 37 inches for men and 31.5 inches for women, or an increased waist-to-height ratio.

In a publication in JAMA Network Open, the Harvard researchers stated: ‘The rate of obesity rose by 60 percent when applying the new definition instead of the conventional BMI-based approach.’

Even though their BMI seemed normal, these so-called ‘anthropometric-obesity’ individuals faced a much greater chance of organ issues and diabetes compared to those without obesity—and were over three times more prone to organ damage.

The scientists also discovered that almost 80 percent of individuals aged 70 and above were categorized as obese according to the updated standards – twice the existing percentage.

This year, 50 global specialists suggested a ‘significant transformation’ in the way obesity is identified and managed, incorporating waist and height measurements along with BMI. Their suggestions received support from the Royal College of Physicians.

A number of highly anticipated anti-obesity regulations became effective this month.

Offers such as “buy one, get one free” for candies, chips, sugary beverages, and other snacks have been prohibited in England, as well as free refills of carbonated drinks in eateries and cafes. Starting in January, there will also be a restriction on online advertisements for unhealthy foods and limitations on television ads before 9 PM.

Officials state that the enforcement measures aim to address the increasing obesity problem in Britain – where being overweight is associated with at least 13 forms of cancer and is responsible for a 39 percent increase in type 2 diabetes among those under 40.

Read more

• Why are specialists in obesity calling for a ‘significant transformation’ of BMI-related assessments for millions of British individuals?
• Is obesity emerging as one of the major health challenges in Britain, with almost a quarter of adults experiencing severe health issues linked to their weight?
• If research indicates that millions could be considered obese with the new criteria, is altering your lifestyle the sole solution to combat a growing BMI?
• Will the significant change in how obesity is diagnosed cause Britain’s obese population to increase by almost 60%?
• Could your “overweight” classification conceal serious health issues under Europe’s groundbreaking new obesity policy?