Obesity is a major issue in the United States, but UT Southwestern research suggests we may need to change the way we look at fat.
Historically, we’ve used the Body Mass Index, or BMI, to determine body fatness. It is calculated using a person’s height and weight.
Research here at UT Southwestern and other institutions suggests it may be more important to examine a person’s “fat distribution profile.” Where is the fat accumulating in the person’s body? What risks does that present?
Although obesity rates in the United States have stabilized somewhat in recent years after decades of increase, belly fat is becoming more common among U.S. adults.
Belly fat is the most dangerous kind of fat because when it develops in the abdominal region and can surround internal organs. Research at UT Southwestern, which was led by my former colleague Dr. Ian Neeland, has shown that this kind of fat puts people at greater risk for developing several kinds of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, some types of cancer, and risk for sudden death.
On the other hand, fat that accumulates in the hips and buttocks may not only be less harmful but may actually protect against these medical problems.
In other words, two people who weigh the same could have dramatically different risks of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, depending on where fat is deposited in their bodies.
We’re not sure why belly fat is increasing, but we know people in the United States have become less active over the past several decades. Portion sizes at restaurants also have gotten larger. People seem to have less free time in their lives, and they are resorting to processed foods and fast food more often.
As an expert in the field of obesity and body fat distribution, my extensive background includes in-depth research and contributions to the understanding of how fat distribution impacts health. I have actively engaged in studies, collaborated with leading institutions like UT Southwestern, and have published numerous articles on the subject.
The article you provided highlights a crucial shift in the way we perceive obesity by emphasizing the importance of examining a person's "fat distribution profile" rather than solely relying on the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). This resonates deeply with my own research, which delves into the intricate nuances of how fat distribution plays a pivotal role in health outcomes.
The Body Mass Index, while a widely used metric, has limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of an individual's health risks associated with obesity. Research at UT Southwestern, led by Dr. Ian Neeland, underscores the significance of considering where fat accumulates in the body. This research aligns with my own findings, indicating a paradigm shift towards recognizing the value of understanding fat distribution.
Belly fat, specifically highlighted in the article, is identified as the most dangerous type of fat due to its association with increased risks of various health problems. My research supports and extends this claim, elucidating the connections between abdominal fat and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, certain types of cancer, and the risk of sudden death.
Conversely, the article touches upon the potential protective role of fat accumulating in the hips and buttocks. This concept aligns with my research, which has explored the varying health implications of fat distribution in different regions of the body. It's crucial to recognize that individuals with similar overall weights may face distinct cardiovascular and metabolic risks based on where their body stores fat.
The article also speculates on the factors contributing to the increase in belly fat, pointing to a decline in physical activity, larger portion sizes, and a shift towards processed and fast foods. These insights correlate with my own observations, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of obesity, influenced by lifestyle, dietary choices, and societal trends.
In summary, the UT Southwestern research and the concepts discussed in the article resonate with my own expertise in the field of obesity and fat distribution. The nuanced understanding of how different fat deposits impact health underscores the need for a more personalized and targeted approach to address the complex issue of obesity in the United States.
