Research
Energy balance
Central fat distribution (upper body fat) is a stronger predictor of blood pressure elevation and cardiovascular risk than total body mass index or peripheral fat distribution.
Where you carry weight matters. Losing weight is beneficial, but focusing on reducing central/abdominal fat may offer greater protection against high blood pressure and heart disease than weight loss alone, as central fat is more metabolically active and linked to higher cardiovascular risk.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
These observations are consistent with the results of two studies from Sweden, which suggest that the pattern of fat distribution has important implications both for the incidence of hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular disease... a pattern of fat distribution in the central body area was a stronger predictor of stroke and myocardial infarction than total body mass index.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple studies (NHANES, Tecumseh, Swedish cohorts) showing stronger association with central/subscapular skinfolds.
Source
Obesity and hypertension: epidemiological and clinical issues
S. Macmohan et al. · European Heart Journal · 1987
DOI 10.1093/eurheartj/8.suppl_b.57
narrative_reviewCited 237×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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