Discovering the Hue of Bodily Adipose Tissue
In the human body, body fat plays a multitude of roles, from providing insulation to storing energy reserves. However, it's essential to understand the different types of body fat and their associated health risks.
Body fat can be categorised into two main types: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is crucial for various bodily functions, such as providing energy reserves, conserving body heat, cushioning organs and joints, and being important for reproductive health. On the other hand, storage fat accumulates when we consume more energy than we burn, serving as a long-term energy reserve, insulating the body, and storing fat-soluble vitamins.
Storage fat can further be divided into subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat, found directly under the skin, cushions the body and insulates heat. While often visible, subcutaneous fat is less harmful than visceral fat in moderate amounts. Visceral fat, located deeper inside the abdomen, surrounding internal organs, is hormonally active and sensitive to stress hormones like cortisol, which can increase its accumulation. Visceral fat is strongly linked with metabolic issues and higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related disorders.
Excess visceral fat raises the risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. It is a critical factor in poor metabolic health and related diseases. Excess subcutaneous fat mainly affects physical appearance and mobility; however, excessive overall storage fat still elevates the risk for chronic diseases.
It's important to note that a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage the amount and impact of these fat types on health. Aerobic exercise increases the exhalation rate, causing you to lose more fat, while following a diet high in nutrients, protein, and low in carbs and sugar can aid in reducing excess body fat.
In addition to the common white fat cells, humans also have brown fat cells that burn energy to create heat in cold weather, similar to beige fat cells that are being studied for their potential to regulate insulin and protect organs like the liver. Scientists are also exploring brown fat cells to help stimulate weight loss.
Dr. Elena Borukh, an endocrinologist and diabetes specialist, emphasises that the type and amount of body fat can be good or bad. Maintaining a balance of good fats in the body is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. So, remember, it's important to eat right and exercise to prevent excess fat storage and maintain a healthy body.
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Visceral fat and your health. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/visceral-fat-and-your-health [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Saturated fats: What are they, and why are they harmful? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/saturated-fats/art-20045658 [3] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021). Visceral fat and health risks. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/visceral-fat/ [4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Dietary fats. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating/dietary-fats
