Overview

• Scientists analyzed whole‑body MRI from 21,241 UK Biobank participants and used artificial intelligence to calculate each person's heart age from imaging signs such as tissue stiffness and inflammation.
• Greater amounts of visceral adipose tissue were associated with older‑than‑expected hearts, including in people who appear slim or have a healthy BMI.
• Sex‑specific patterns emerged, with abdominal 'apple‑shape' fat linked to faster aging in men, while hip and thigh fat appeared protective in women, and higher premenopausal oestrogen correlated with slower aging.
• Researchers reported that BMI performed poorly in predicting heart age compared with measures that capture where fat is stored.
• The study, published in the European Heart Journal and funded by the MRC, BHF and NIHR Imperial, will inform planned investigations of GLP‑1 therapies, as public guidance continues to stress diet and physical activity to reduce visceral fat.