Khaberni - A research team from McMaster University in Canada revealed that apparent thinness does not necessarily imply good health, as a new study found that some individuals might look thin but actually carry dangerous hidden fat inside organs that can lead to arterial damage and heart disease.
According to the study published in the journal Communications Medicine, this condition is known as "skinny-fat" and occurs when fat accumulates in the abdominal area or liver without showing as weight gain, making it more dangerous because it usually goes unnoticed or undiagnosed.
Silent fats cause serious damage
The researchers explained that visceral fat, which wraps around internal organs, and liver fat are among the most dangerous types of fat because they are metabolically active, causing inflammation and damage to arterial walls, even after excluding traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol or blood pressure.
Dr. Russell de Souza, who participated in the study, said, "Our findings show that these fats silently damage arteries, even among those who do not suffer from visible obesity. It's a warning message for both doctors and the public."
Analyzing data from over 33,000 individuals
The researchers used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to analyze data from over 33,000 adults from the United Kingdom and Canada, and found a strong link between the accumulation of abdominal and liver fat and the narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain, indicating a major risk for stroke and heart attacks.
For her part, Dr. Sonia Anand, a vascular disease specialist, said, "One cannot judge a person’s health by their appearance alone. These fats are not measured by body mass index or waist circumference, so accurate imaging techniques must be used to determine their distribution inside the body."
In the same context, Professor Alex Miras, an endocrinology professor at Ulster University, noted that visceral fat could cause coronary heart disease even in individuals with normal weight, stating that it is more common among certain groups like the South Asian populations.
The solution lies in diet and exercise
Despite their danger, the researchers affirmed that hidden fats can be reduced through a healthy diet and regular exercise, or by using modern obesity medications when necessary.
And Miras concluded, saying, "Any weight loss, whether through a healthy lifestyle or medication, makes a noticeable difference in reducing heart risks. Patients with this condition must strictly control their cholesterol and blood pressure."
