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In the past, doctors had theorized that excess body fat might have one benefit -- it could protect against the bone disease osteoporosis. But a new study finds that deep belly fat may in fact contribute to osteoporosis.
The reason is that certain types of fat cells very likely produce substances that lead to bone disease. The study found that deep belly fat was associated with lower bone mineral density, a measure of bone strength.
Paging Dr. Gupta reports:
"The researchers also used a new technique to look at bone marrow fat, or fat within bones, which also appears to make the bones weaker. Women with deep tummy fat also had more fat within their bones."