A study published in Obesity analyzed nearly 4,800 participants aged 45–69 from the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study.
Researchers found greater visceral fat was associated with accelerated biological aging in both men and women. In women, higher visceral fat levels were linked to shorter telomere length, a marker of cellular aging.
The associations remained significant after accounting for overall body fat, BMI, waist circumference, and lifestyle factors.
Key Findings
- A study of nearly 4,800 participants (aged 45–69) from the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study found that greater visceral fat is linked to faster biological aging in both men and women.
- In women specifically, higher visceral fat levels were tied to shorter telomere length, a key marker of cellular aging.
- These results held true even after the researchers adjusted for overall body fat, BMI, waist circumference, and lifestyle factors.
Expert Insight
"Our study shows that visceral fat is associated with faster biological and cellular ageing. Understanding what drives faster ageing helps us find better ways to stay healthy for longer."
— Adjunct Associate Professor Jennie Hui, Director of the Busselton Health Study Laboratory
"Visceral fat is metabolically active, secreting a range of pro-inflammatory proteins, which contribute to systemic inflammation and metabolic stress. It can be easily measured using imaging technology, which is widely used in routine bone density scans."
— Associate Professor Kun Zhu
Mr. Riorden O’Shea, a resident medical officer with the WA Country Health Service who led the analysis, said the project highlighted the value of long-term population health research.
Study Background
The Busselton Health Study, established in 1966, is one of the world’s longest-running population health programs. This longitudinal dataset has been instrumental in research into chronic disease and healthy aging.