Large genetic study points to excess belly fat as a cause of heart disease, diabetes

Researchers are reporting new evidence from genetic studies that those with excess belly fat appear to be at greater risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  While past observational studies have associated belly fat with higher disease risk, whether or not belly fat can actually cause heart disease and diabetes has remained unclear.  In the new study, scientists analyzed the complete genetic data from over 400,000 adults in the United Kingdom. They found that those with a genetic predisposition to have a higher waist-to-hip ratio—those who tend to carry more fat in their belly than in their hips and thighs—had higher risks of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The findings suggests that preventing or shedding fat from the belly could help fight these two diseases.  Their study, published in JAMA, was partly funded by NHLBI.