The Worst Things You Can Do for Your Heart

Have Too Much Belly Fat

There are two different types of belly fat: superficial belly fat (subcutaneous fat), which lies directly under the skin, and deep belly fat (visceral fat), which lies deep within the abdomen. Research published in Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, found that adults with deep belly fat were significantly more likely to have greater heart risks than those with no belly fat, regardless of body mass index. In other words, two individuals with the same height and weight could have a different risk for heart disease depending on how much deep belly fat they have.

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Review Date: 
March 19, 2015

Last Updated:
March 24, 2015