Large Bellies Linked to Health Problems

Lower-body adiposity and metabolic protection in postmenopausal women, by R.E. Van Pelt and colleagues. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:4573–4578, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Being overweight or obese is bad for one's health. Research shows that the greatest harm is from abdominal obesity -- carrying most of one's excess weight in the belly. Women tend to carry more weight around their hips and thighs than men, which may help to explain why their chances are lower of having a heart attack when they're young. It's not clear if excess fat around the hips and thighs protects the heart.

As women get older, they tend to gain more weight around their bellies, increasing their chances of having a heart attack.

Who was studied?

The study included 95 postmenopausal women who on average were 80 years old.

How was the study done?

Participants were tested on where the fat was on their bodies. Researchers looked at how much fat was beneath the skin of the belly and how much was elsewhere in the belly. Each person had blood tests to measure how well their bodies used glucose and insulin. Other tests measured the levels of fats in the blood that raise the chances of getting cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels).

What did the researchers find?

Women with most of their extra fat around the hips and thighs were healthier than those who had their excess fat around their bellies. There were no health differences in women with excess belly fat and women with fat around their hips, thighs, and bellies.

What are the limitations of the study?

The study included only healthy postmenopausal women, so the results may not apply to younger women or those in poor health. Because only women participated, the results may not apply to men.

What are the implications of the study?

Extra fat around the hips and thighs appears to have a protective effect on the heart. This could influence the health of a person considering fat-reducing surgery or liposuction.