'Skinny Fat' is a Threat to Heart Health

A subtle sign of a big problem.

STARTER STATS

• Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 57,890 deaths in 2023.

• Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, resulting in 13,833 deaths in 2023. 

• 2.6 million Canadians (about 1 in 12), 20 and over, have been diagnosed with heart disease.

• Every year, 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur, with a 1 in 10 survival rate.

---

Researchers at McMaster University have revealed that visceral fat around organs and hepatic (liver) fat are strongly linked to thickening and narrowing of the carotid arteries — the critical vessels supplying blood to the brain. This silent artery damage raises stroke and heart attack risks, even in people who outwardly appear healthy with a standard or below-normal body mass index (BMI).

Analyzing MRI data from over 33,000 adults in Canada and the UK, the study showed that "skinny fat" body types contribute to artery clogging beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure. This challenges the reliance on BMI as the standard measure of health and underscores the need for imaging-based assessments to evaluate cardiovascular risk better.

“You can’t always tell by looking at someone whether they have visceral or liver fat. This kind of fat is metabolically active and dangerous; it’s linked to inflammation and artery damage even in people who aren’t visibly overweight. That’s why it’s so important to rethink how we assess obesity and cardiovascular risk.”

— Dr. Sonia Anand

Read more →