The Importance of Adipose Tissue and Its Significant Role in the Body – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
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Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in the body, serving various essential functions, such as an energy source and a key player in regulating metabolism. This tissue is found under the skin (subcutaneous) and deeper fat tissue beneath the skin’s dermis. This latter fatty tissue gives the shape profile of the sexes.
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Visceral fat
Fatty tissue is also called visceral fat, mainly wrapped around or cushioning the internal organs.
There is also a vital internal organ called the lesser and greater omentum. The greater omentum, which is more important, hangs from the lower border of the stomach and is also referred to as the policeman of the abdomen. It wraps around in septic situations, preventing the infection from spreading.
Visceral fat is belly fat found deep within your abdominal cavity. It surrounds essential organs, including your stomach, liver and intestines. It’s different from subcutaneous fat, just below your skin. Visceral fat is more dangerous to your health.
Visceral fat can be dangerous to your health because it can lead to several severe conditions, including:
Metabolic syndrome: A collection of disorders that includes high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance
Heart disease: Visceral fat can increase the risk of heart attacks and heart disease
Stroke: Visceral fat can increase the risk of stroke
Type 2 diabetes: Visceral fat can lead to type 2 diabetes
Cancer: Visceral fat can increase the risk of breast and colorectal cancer
Alzheimer’s disease: Visceral fat can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Other conditions: Excess visceral fat can increase the risk of asthma, liver disease, gallbladder disease, gout, fertility issues, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis.
Yes, visceral fat secretes cytokines, which are metabolic and immune mediators that can cause metabolic abnormalities:
Proinflammatory cytokines: Visceral fat releases proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and resistin. These cytokines can induce insulin resistance and diabetes.
Adiponectin: Visceral fat also produces adiponectin, increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose intolerance and diabetes.
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4): Visceral fat secretes RBP4, increasing insulin resistance.
There are two main types of adipose cells: white and brown. White adipocytes store energy as a single large lipid droplet, while brown adipocytes store energy in multiple tiny lipid droplets. Brown adipocytes generate body heat through a process called thermogenesis.
In healthy adults, adipose tissue usually makes up 20–25% of total body weight. However, the percentage of body fat can vary widely from person to person. Increased levels of adipose tissue have been linked to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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However, when triglyceride levels become too high, the consequences can be severe. Excess triglycerides can lead to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It’s essential to understand the balance: while adipose tissue is necessary for energy storage and hormone
production, keeping triglyceride levels in check is vital for overall health. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, we can support our bodies in maintaining this balance and reduce the risks associated with overfilled triglycerides.
I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights.
