A prospective study of more than 5000 men and women linked larger amounts of visceral (belly) fat to greater risks for cardiovascular disease and cancer. This finding remained after controlling for standard risk factors. Each standard deviation increase in belly fat resulted in a 44% increased risk for heart disease and a 43% increased risk of cancer. Visceral fat may increase inflammatory factors and alter systemic hormonal patterns to increase risks.
PositiveTip: In this age of obesity, it is still good advice to stay slim and trim.