Women tend to have localized fat in very common areas, such as legs and abdomen. It is normal that in the post menopause phase, fat accumulates much more in the abdominal area and may present a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, a recent study ensures that those who have more quantity in the upper part of the legs are less prone to it. The research was carried out by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine (New York), and it was found that there is a relationship between the distribution of fat in the body of women after menopause and the probability of having some cardiovascular disease.
Fat distribution influences health
The study did not find a relationship between the amount of total body fat and the risk of health problems, but it seems that the distribution of this does affect women who finish menstruation. Specifically, adipose tissue in the belly area increases the chances of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, even if we have a normal weight.
Surprisingly, the accumulation of fat in the upper part of the legs and in the hips is related to a lower percentage of having some type of pathology. Thus, women with an apple-type body, who have a large percentage of adipose tissue in the abdominal area and extremities, are three times more likely to suffer from a cardiovascular problem than those with the opposite distribution.
The research included the participation of 2.683 postmenopausal women, with a normal body mass index. They were followed up for 18 years in order to find out how the distribution of fat influenced the probability of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Only 291 had some type of condition.
Can adipose tissue be redistributed?
One of the greatest wishes is eliminate localized fat, but we know that it is impossible. We can't tell the body where to choose fat to use for fuel. But could it be redistributed? Well, the study authors aren't too sure about that. In fact, they have not been able to determine what type of training would be most appropriate to move it from one area to another.
Similarly, scientists say that the location of adipose tissue is strongly linked to genetics, although eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be modified.