Michail has received the recognition for his Science at a Glance oral presentation, titled Regional Adiposity and Cardiometabolic Phenotypes in Human Atherosclerosis, which will be presented at the upcoming EAS Congress in May.
Obesity is often linked to heart disease, but common markers such as body weight or body mass index (BMI) don't always reflect true cardiovascular risk. Using ultrasound, Michail and the research team measured fat in different regions of the body and found that regional fat distribution offers insights beyond traditional obesity markers.
Location of fat storage could better assess cardiovascular risk
The research shows that fat stored in the thighs is linked to better blood sugar control and less artery calcification than fat stored around the waist – suggesting that fat stored in certain areas may be protective, while fat in others could be harmful.
Researchers say the findings could lead to more accurate assessments of cardiovascular risk in clinical practice, and overall highlight the importance of where fat is stored, not just how much is present.
Upon receiving the EAS Young Investigator Fellowship, Michail said: 'I am truly happy to have received this prestigious fellowship. It reflects not only a personal milestone but also the collective efforts of our team. I'm especially grateful to my supervisor, Professor Charalambos Antoniades, and my colleague Dr Ioannis Akoumianakis, for their unwavering support and guidance, as well as to the Onassis Foundation for funding my studies at Oxford.'