Slim People's Hearts May Age Faster Due to Hidden Fat

According to a major study published in the European Heart Journal in 2025, slim people may still be at risk of a deadly heart attack due to hidden visceral fat that accelerates the aging of the heart. This dangerous fat, which builds up deep inside the body around the liver, stomach, and intestines, is invisible from the outside, meaning many people who appear slim may still be carrying harmful amounts.

The researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 people and found that those with higher levels of visceral fat showed signs of their hearts and blood vessels aging more quickly. This type of fat also triggered inflammation throughout the body, a process linked to premature aging and disease. Interestingly, the study found that body shape may be more important than weight alone when it comes to heart health, with men carrying fat around the belly being more likely to show accelerated heart aging.

On the other hand, the researchers discovered that "pear-shaped" women genetically predisposed to storing fat around their hips and thighs appeared to have healthier, younger hearts. This lower-body fat may even help guard against heart disease, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. The study also found that higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women were linked to slower heart aging, suggesting the hormone could play a protective role.