Visceral and ectopic fat, atherosclerosis, and cardiometabolic disease: a position statement

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2019Source: The Lancet Diabetes & EndocrinologyAuthor(s): Ian J Neeland, Robert Ross, Jean-Pierre Després, Yuji Matsuzawa, Shizuya Yamashita, Iris Shai, Jaap Seidell, Paolo Magni, Raul D Santos, Benoit Arsenault, Ada Cuevas, Frank B Hu, Bruce Griffin, Alberto Zambon, Philip Barter, Jean-Charles Fruchart, Robert H Eckel, International Atherosclerosis Society, International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk Working Group on Visceral ObesitySummaryFindings from epidemiological studies over the past 30 years have shown that visceral adipose tissue, accurately measured by CT or MRI, is an independent risk marker of cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence also suggests that ectopic fat deposition, including hepatic and epicardial fat, might contribute to increased atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk. This joint position statement from the International Atherosclerosis Society and the International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk Working Group on Visceral Obesity summarises the evidence for visceral adiposity and ectopic fat as emerging risk factors for type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on practical recommendations for health professionals and future directions for research and clinical practice. We discuss the measurement of visceral and ectopic fat, pathophysiology and contribution to adverse health outcomes, response to treatment, and lessons from a public health pr...
Source: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research