SCVC Healthspan

Adipose tissue—particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—is not merely a passive energy store. It is metabolically active and pro-inflammatory, secreting cytokines and adipokines that drive systemic inflammation. It is therefore plausible that reducing VAT may alleviate joint pain by lowering inflammatory signalling, not just mechanical stress. In this article, we explore the hypothesis that weight loss reduces arthritis and joint pain by lowering inflammatory mediator release from VAT, rather than load-bearing mechanics alone.

Read the blog

Traditionally, cardiologists have focused on managing heart conditions through medication and lifestyle interventions, but with the growing evidence surrounding the benefits of managing glucose levels and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) loss, there has been a shift towards more integrated care. This includes incorporating treatments like GLP-1 mimetics into the broader strategy for patients with cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions. For patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or atrial fibrillation, reducing visceral fat and improving glycaemic control can have a profound impact on both symptom management and long-term prognosis. In this blog article and podcast we discuss what is involved.

Full blog story

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.

Full blog article