Overview
- Researchers analyzed MRI and health data from more than 33,000 adults in CAHHM and the UK Biobank, with results published in Communications Medicine on Oct. 17, 2025.
- Visceral adipose tissue showed the strongest association with carotid plaque and wall thickening, with liver fat showing a weaker yet significant link.
- These relationships persisted after adjusting for cholesterol, blood pressure, lifestyle factors and metabolic indicators.
- Study authors cautioned that appearance is unreliable for spotting dangerous internal fat, noting you cannot tell by looking at someone.
- Experts say the work challenges reliance on BMI and waist measures and points to imaging or alternative metrics, as parallel proposals would broaden obesity definitions using waist and height.