{
  "id": 9133196,
  "title": "Belly fat could signal underlying health risks – Dr Vanessa Apea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/belly-fat-could-signal-underlying-health-risks-dr-vanessa-apea",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-22T11:29:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/health/belly-fat/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health expert Dr Vanessa Apea warns against dismissing excessive abdominal fat, emphasizing that it serves as a warning signal for potential underlying health risks. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, she clarified that belly fat should not be used to shame individuals or deemed a symbol of wealth, but rather as a reason to be cautious. Dr Apea explained that visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, is distinct from the subcutaneous fat directly beneath the skin. She highlighted that excess visceral fat can lead to inflammation, disrupt blood sugar regulation and elevate blood pressure, potentially resulting in severe health complications.\n\nDr Apea identified several lifestyle factors that may contribute to high blood pressure, including a diet rich in processed foods, alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. She cautioned that relying solely on body mass index (BMI) to assess health risks may be insufficient, urging individuals to consider additional measurements, such as waist circumference. Dr Apea emphasized the significance of paying attention to changes in one's health and taking into account factors such as family history when evaluating the risk of hypertension.",
  "summary": "By McDonald Amankwah CEO of The Accra London Health, Dr Vanessa Apea, has cautioned the public not to dismiss excessive abdominal fat, describing it as a warning signal that should prompt people to pay closer attention to their health. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Dr Apea said belly fat should not be used to […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Excessive abdominal fat signals underlying health risks",
    "Visceral fat around organs can cause inflammation and health complications",
    "Lifestyle factors like processed foods and sedentary habits contribute to health risks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}