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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
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Segmentation and Linear Measurement for Body Composition Analysis using Slice-O-Matic and Horos
Published on: March 21, 2021
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Sex-specific body fat distribution predicts cardiovascular ageing
Vladimir Losev1, Chang Lu1, Shamin Tahasildar1
1MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
European Heart Journal
|August 22, 2025
Summary
Body fat distribution significantly impacts cardiovascular ageing. Visceral and liver fat increase cardiovascular age in both sexes, while abdominal fat and android mass affect males. Gynoid fat may be protective.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular biology
- Metabolic health
- Aging research
Background:
- Cardiovascular ageing is a decline in physiological reserve, influenced by genetics and environment.
- Obesity is linked to premature ageing, but the role of fat distribution is unclear.
- This study investigates sex-specific fat phenotypes and their effect on cardiovascular ageing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how sex-dependent body fat distribution influences cardiovascular ageing.
- To identify specific fat depots associated with accelerated or decelerated cardiovascular ageing.
- To explore potential targets for interventions to promote healthy lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of UK Biobank data from 21,241 participants.
- Machine learning to predict cardiovascular age from 126 imaging traits.
- Assessment of body fat volume and distribution using whole-body imaging.
- Multivariable regression and Mendelian randomization to assess associations and causality.
Main Results:
- Visceral adipose tissue, muscle adipose tissue infiltration, and liver fat strongly predicted increased cardiovascular age in both sexes.
- Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and android fat mass were linked to increased cardiovascular age only in males.
- Genetically predicted gynoid fat was associated with decreased cardiovascular age.
Conclusions:
- Body fat distribution exhibits sex-specific patterns influencing cardiovascular ageing.
- Adipose tissue distribution and function are critical targets for interventions aimed at extending healthy lifespan.
- Targeting specific fat depots may offer personalized strategies for cardiovascular health.
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