The Role of Fat in Obesity
W8MD's Free E-book on obesity and weight loss
Chapter 2: The Role of Fat in Obesity
Fat plays a significant role in the development and progression of obesity. This chapter will discuss the different types of fat, the percentage of essential fat in men and women, the impact of fat location on health, and the risks associated with visceral fat and factors leading to its accumulation.
Types of Fat: Essential and Storage Fat
There are two types of fat in the body: essential and storage fat. Essential fat is necessary for the body to function properly, while storage fat is stored in adipose tissue and can contribute to obesity if too much is accumulated. Essential fat is found in the bone marrow, organs, and muscles and is required for proper hormone function, insulation, and protection of vital organs.
Essential Fat and its Percentage in Men and Women
The percentage of essential fat in the body differs between men and women due to differences in hormonal function and reproductive processes. For men, the essential fat percentage is approximately 2-5%, while for women, it is around 10-13%. Women require a higher percentage of essential fat due to the demands of pregnancy and lactation.
Location of Fat and its Impact on Health
The location of fat in the body can have different impacts on health. Subcutaneous fat, found under the skin, is considered less harmful than visceral fat, which is located around the organs in the abdominal cavity. Visceral fat has been linked to several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Studies have also found that excess visceral fat can contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation, which are associated with these diseases.
Risks Associated with Visceral Fat and Factors Leading to its Accumulation
Several factors contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and genetics. Research has found that individuals with a family history of obesity or type 2 diabetes may have a higher likelihood of accumulating visceral fat. Other risk factors include aging, hormonal changes, and stress.
One study found that a reduction in visceral fat through weight loss interventions can lead to improvements in insulin resistance and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Summary
Overall, understanding the role of fat in obesity and its impact on health is crucial in developing effective strategies for weight management and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
References
- Harvard Health Publishing. The truth about fats: the good, the bad, and the in-between. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Abdominal fat and what to do about it. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Understanding adult overweight and obesity. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Managing overweight and obesity in adults: systematic evidence review from the obesity expert panel. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/media/docs/obesity-evidence-review.pdf.
Also see
- W8MD's Free E-book on Obesity and Weight Loss
- Overweight / obesity - causes (insulin resistance - stress - lack of physical activity
- Childhood obesity - abdominal obesity - weight gain
- Weight loss - bariatric surgery - anti-obesity medications
- Obesity and walking - obesity and the environment - obesity and sexuality
- Fat fetishism - overnutrition - diets - VLCD diet - meal replacements - weight loss supplements
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers is a network of medical centers located in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and surrounding areas that provide comprehensive care for weight loss, sleep disorders, and aesthetic treatments.
Book appointments
Locations
W8MD location(s):
- Brooklyn, NY: NYC medical weight loss, sleep and medspa: 2632 E 21st St., Suite L2, Brooklyn, NY 11235 Contact: (718)946-5500
- W8MD's Weight loss diet - Recipes (WikiMD)
- Links: Weight loss | Sleep medicine | Medical spa | Nutrition | Success stories |
- Diet pills: Phentermine, Phen/Topiramate, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro, Contrave, Plenity, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine
- Resources: W8MD diet | Keto diet guide | Free Ebook | 12 Ways to lose weight quickly | 8 Amazing Weeks