[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] Attention is once again focused on President Donald Trump's health after the release of his latest medical checkup results.
According to the medical report released by The White House, Trump was found to have no issues with his ability to perform his duties, with his heart, lungs, and nervous system all assessed as generally healthy. However, his weight was listed at about 108 kg, roughly 6 kg higher than a year ago. His physician recommended dietary management, more physical activity, and continued weight loss.
A change in weight does not automatically mean disease. But if a middle-aged person gains noticeable weight within a year, it is worth looking beyond simple weight gain and checking changes in abdominal fat along with blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels. That is because weight gained later in life is often linked to increased visceral fat, which can raise the risk of metabolic disease.
"A sudden increase in weight without any major change in lifestyle may be a sign that the body's energy metabolism balance has shifted," said Chae Gyu-hui, head of the Adipose Stem Cell Center at 365mc Nowon Branch. "Identifying the cause and correcting lifestyle habits can help with long-term health management."
◇If BMI is normal but the belly sticks out?
When weight rises quickly in middle age, the first indicator to check is waist circumference. BMI is calculated only from height and weight, so it cannot show where fat is stored. Even with the same BMI, one person may have a higher weight because of more muscle, while another may have more abdominal visceral fat and therefore a greater risk of metabolic disease.
A waist circumference of 90 cm or more for men and 85 cm or more for women is classified as abdominal obesity. Because abdominal obesity raises the risk of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, active management is needed. Even if overall weight has not increased much, a tighter waistband or a noticeably protruding abdomen may suggest a buildup of visceral fat.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat accumulates around the organs and is closely linked to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and higher blood triglyceride levels.
If abdominal obesity is present, it is advisable to assess the balance between visceral and subcutaneous fat through a body composition test and consult medical staff about whether the right approach is weight loss or body-shape improvement. In particular, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), East Asians, including Koreans, may face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes even without weighing as much as Western populations. The reason is that abdominal fat can accumulate more easily at the same body weight, making blood sugar control more difficult.
"If waist circumference is increasing while fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and blood pressure are all rising, it should be seen not as simple weight gain but as an early warning sign of obesity-related complications," Chae said. "It is important to manage both weight and waist circumference through portion control and regular exercise, and to monitor metabolic indicators through routine checkups."
◇Ultra-processed food habits linked to reduced fat tissue metabolism and aging
As Trump's weight gain has become a talking point, renewed attention is also being paid to his long-known preference for fast food such as hamburgers, French fries, and soda.
Experts say such eating habits can harm not only weight control but also metabolic health.
Recent studies suggest that excessive intake of saturated fat and fructose, which are abundant in ultra-processed foods, can impair the function of brown fat, the tissue responsible for energy expenditure in the body. Brown fat generates heat and burns calories, but when its function declines, energy use falls and the body may become more prone to fat accumulation.
What stands out is that a diet centered on ultra-processed foods may be linked not only to reduced metabolic function in fat tissue but also to aging.
Trump has also recently been mentioned in foreign media for aging-related health issues, including extreme fatigue and bruising on the back of his hand, alongside his weight gain.
Preclinical studies have reported that reduced fat tissue function is associated with increased inflammatory responses, along with a decline in the function of adipose-derived stem cells involved in tissue regeneration and recovery. This suggests that the issue goes beyond simple weight gain and may also affect the health of fat tissue and, to some extent, the aging process.
"Fat is not just a storage depot for energy; it is an important organ involved in metabolism, immunity, and tissue regeneration," Chae explained. "If a high-calorie, high-fat diet continues, fat cells can enlarge and chronic inflammation within fat tissue can increase, raising the possibility of accelerated aging in fat tissue."
"For middle-aged and older adults, it is important not to focus only on weight loss itself, but to reduce abdominal obesity and maintain healthy eating habits and physical activity," she added. "Keeping fat tissue functioning well can also help with long-term metabolic health and aging management."
To slow fat tissue aging, Chae recommended a balanced diet centered on protein and unsaturated fatty acids, regular aerobic and strength training, sufficient sleep, and reducing excessive alcohol intake and ultra-processed foods.
Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
