Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have found the first direct evidence that beer belly is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks.

The new study in mice has found that inflammation around the cells of visceral fat deposits (or belly fat) is linked to clogged and hardened arteries.

The researchers at U-M's Cardiovascular Center also found that a medication against diabetes may ease that inflammation, according to a paper for publication in the February edition of the journal Circulation.

Further research is needed to establish that the findings apply to humans but the researchers advice that overweight people could reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by reducing belly fat.

The research team is led by cardiologist Daniel Eitzman, an associate professor at the U-M Medical School Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.