Obesity hope as scientists find source of ‘bad’ fat

A team from the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) human genetics unit at Edinburgh University discovered that visceral fat – which forms around vital organs such as the heart and intestines – originates in the embryo.

Although all fat carries health risks, visceral fat is said to be a bigger threat than subcutaneous fat, which sits under the skin. Visceral fat can increase the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease but, subcutaneous fat can be beneficial because it provides energy, cushioning and insulation.

Professor Stephen Hill, of the MRC’s molecular and cellular medicine board, said: “Visceral fat can be a silent killer because it’s possible to have a lot of it without looking fat on the outside.”

Tests revealed that up to 80 per cent of visceral fat can be traced back to a single type of cell in the developing embryo.

Understanding how to regulate them could lead to new opportunities for the prevention or treatment of “bad” fat.