While obesity is known to increase the risk for blood clots, scientists now say where people carry their fat as well as gender can have an effect on these life-threatening clots as well.

A study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association looked at the relationship between body mass, weight distribution and incidence of blood clots in veins – known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) – on middle-aged men and women over a period of 10 years.

Researchers say that more weight, an increased body mass index and waist and hip circumference increased the risk for VTE regardless of gender. However, increased hip circumference made women more susceptible for clots and increased waist circumference increased the risk for men.

"The implications to the public are that all types of obesity increase the risk for VTE, but the location of body fat also plays some unknown role. For health professionals, the implication is that all types of fat distribution should be taken into account when evaluating risk for VTE," said lead researcher Dr Marianne Tang Severinsen.

VTE results when a clot breaks free from one blood vessel and blocks another – typically from the legs to the lungs. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the two types of potentially deadly VTE.

Among the resources health care experts recommend to avoid blood clots are lifestyle changes including increased exercise and weight loss, drinking plenty of fluids and wearing support stockings, according to the Mayo Clinic.