New centre aims to improve understanding of obesity and metabolic disorders in Asians.
Singapore has launched its first Centre for Advanced Metabolic Imaging (Cami) at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), designed to study the unique fat distribution patterns in Asian populations. This innovative centre uses hyperpolarisation technology to improve MRI scans, enabling real-time tracking of glucose breakdown and fat accumulation in the body.
Unlike conventional body fat measurement tools like BMI, which do not accurately capture fat distribution or its health implications, Cami offers a more precise method for mapping fat deposits, particularly in areas such as the abdominal region, where Asians tend to accumulate fat differently from Western populations. This insight is crucial, as deep belly fat is linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.
The centre’s key tool, the C-13 Hyperpolariser, enhances the sensitivity of metabolic measurements by over 10,000 times, allowing detailed imaging of how the body processes nutrients and where fat is stored. The Cami team, led by Associate Professor Calvin Chin, expects this technology to help researchers gain a better understanding of the metabolic processes in Asian populations, leading to more targeted treatments for obesity and heart diseases.
Officially opened on November 15, 2024, the centre aims to provide deeper insights into fat distribution and organ metabolism in Singapore’s diverse population, which will ultimately help in developing more effective and affordable solutions for obesity and related health issues.
