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An article written by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist Tags: VAT, LDL, Diet, Visceral Fat, CGM search website using Tags to find related stories. Introduction For decades, health advice has emphasised “low-fat” as the healthy option. Supermarket shelves are stacked with skimmed […]
An article written by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist Tags: VAT, Diabetes, NH1, search website using Tags to find related stories. While everyone might think the term ‘VAT’ stands for value added tax, we all need to recognise this new health […]
VAT is the principal metabolic culprit in cardiovascular risk. BMI—while simple—fails to capture fat distribution, muscle mass, or ageing effects. Waist-based anthropometrics, particularly waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, more closely reflect VAT and strongly predict cardiovascular outcomes.For cardiologists, this explains why a tape measure around the waist is more valuable than a BMI calculation. Where precise measurement is required—such as in high-risk patients commencing GLP-1 therapy—DEXA and low-dose CT provide direct VAT quantification.In both prevention and clinical practice, tracking waist measurements makes far more sense than relying on BMI.
Cardiology groups, including ours, are increasingly partnering with diabetes and weight management specialists to set up GLP-1 mimetic clinics. These clinics oversee VAT loss and improve glycaemic control for patients with diverse cardiac conditions. The goal is not only to help these patients manage their symptoms but also to provide a holistic approach to cardiovascular and metabolic health, with an emphasis on reducing the burden of visceral fat. Specialist clinics offer patients the chance to access personalised care that targets both fat loss and better glucose regulation, reducing the need for medications and potentially improving overall quality of life. In this blog and associated podcast and YouTube explainer, we set out some of the fundamental principles we care about.
Most men over 30 will recognise the slow but steady expansion of the waistline. Whether you call it a spare tyre, a dad bod, or just a bit of extra padding, not all belly fat is created equal — and not all of it is harmless.Some types of abdominal fat are mostly cosmetic. Others are dangerous, inflammatory, and metabolically active — the kind of fat that silently drives heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and even advanced cancers.Let’s break down the three main culprits behind the male belly — and what you can do about them.
Dietary fats have been wrongly maligned for much of modern nutritional history. But as the science evolves, it's clear that fat – far from being harmful – is a vital macronutrient that supports energy metabolism, hormonal health, brain and heart function, and even weight control.Rather than fearing fat, we should focus on:Avoiding refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods. Prioritising whole food sources of fat, including nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, fish, and healthy oils. Understanding individual needs, especially in those with insulin resistance or carbohydrate sensitivity. Viewing nutrition in context, rather than isolating single nutrients as heroes or villains.The time has come to move beyond fat-phobia and embrace a more nuanced, evidence-based approach to eating. In a balanced, whole-food diet, fat is not the problem — it’s part of the solution.
Thanks to digital health technology, many of the tools needed to correct low protein intake are now in the hands of patients. Food tracking apps can analyse the macronutrient breakdown of meals, allowing users to make informed adjustments. AI-based platforms can even suggest personalised meal plans that hit protein targets while remaining aligned with caloric needs and dietary preferences.
GLP-1 therapy is most effective when paired with sustainable lifestyle improvements. That’s why our clinic operates on a shared care agreement—we commit to providing access to these powerful medications, while you commit to making meaningful changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
With continued advancements in imaging, pharmacology, and personalised medicine, the SCVC cardiometabolic clinic is positioned to lead the way in preventative cardiology. The integration of real-time metabolic assessments, cutting-edge lipid profiling, and targeted pharmacotherapy represents a paradigm shift in how cardiovascular risk is managed.
A key component of evaluating statin-related symptoms is tracking them systematically. A symptom diary can help you visualise the severity and frequency of side effects over time. A "year-at-a-glance" dot plot is particularly useful.
Recent scientific discoveries have aligned much like planets, leading to an inescapable conclusion among many physicians that glucose metabolism may be even more important than LDL cholesterol in the genesis of many modern diseases.
Continuous glucose monitoring offers a valuable tool for anyone concerned with their long-term health, especially those with a family history of diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors. Whether through self-monitoring or professional analysis such as our metabolic health assessment, CGMs can provide actionable insights that help individuals manage their glucose levels more effectively, ultimately contributing to a healthier, longer life. By understanding and managing your glucotype, optimising your diet and exercise, and taking steps to prevent prediabetes and diabetes, you can potentially avoid serious health conditions in the future.