22/07/2025
Health risks of excessive fat accumulation
Excessive fat accumulation - especially abdominal and visceral fat - can cause a number of health problems and significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases. Some of the most common health problems associated with fat accumulation are listed below:
Cardiovascular diseases
Heart disease and cardiovascular diseases:
Fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area, increases the strain on the heart, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Chronic hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Coronary artery disease:
Excess fat - especially visceral fat - can contribute to atherosclerosis (thickening and narrowing of artery walls), which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications.
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance:
Abdominal fat is closely related to insulin resistance, a disorder in which cells respond poorly to insulin. This is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes, and obesity is a major risk factor.
High cholesterol
Elevated LDL ('bad' cholesterol):
Fat accumulation can raise total blood cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, further accelerating the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):
Visceral fat can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, leading to NAFLD. If left untreated, it can lead to liver inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, cirrhosis or even liver failure.
Sleep apnoea syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA):
Fat deposits around the neck and upper airways can narrow the airways and increase the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnoea is a disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems and cardiovascular stress.
Skin ageing and loss of collagen
Skin sagging and wrinkles:
Excess fat can alter body contours and affect skin texture, leading to loss of skin elasticity, sagging and wrinkles.
Joint disorders
Osteoarthritis:
Being overweight puts too much stress on joints, especially knees, hips and lower back, and increases the risk of joint degeneration and osteoarthritis.
Certain cancers
Breast, colon and endometrial cancer:
Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Fat accumulation can alter hormone levels such as oestrogen and insulin, which can contribute to the development of tumours.
Gallstones
A disease of the gallbladder:
Excess cholesterol and fat stored in the gallbladder can cause gallstones. Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstone disease.
Mental disorders are a major risk factor for gallstones.
Depression and anxiety:
Obesity and excessive fat accumulation can negatively affect mental health, often leading to low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Hormonal imbalances
Endocrine disorders:
Abdominal obesity in particular is associated with elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and estrogen, which can affect metabolism, immune function and reproductive health.
Conclusion
Controlling fat accumulation is not just a matter of appearance: it is essential to protect many body systems and maintain overall health.