Ill-effect of high-fat meal linked to belly fat

WASHINGTON - The effect of a high-fat meal on blood vessel walls can vary among individuals, depending on one’s waist size and triglyceride levels, says a new research.

The research by University of California-Davis reinforces the link between belly fat, inflammation and thickening of the arterial linings that can lead to heart disease and strokes.

Triglycerides are types of fat molecules, commonly associated with bad cholesterol, known to up the risk of inflammation of the endothelium, the layer of cells that lines arteries, reports the American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

Inflammation is a localised protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection.

The new study shows that eating a common fast food meal can affect inflammatory responses in the blood vessels,” said Anthony Passerini, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at California-Davis, who led the project, according to a University of California-Davis statement.