Reinforcing the Need for a Shift in Our Perspective Toward Body Size
Our body fat isn't just a symbol of health or body confidence, it's a vital part of our diet and overall wellbeing. Fat serves multiple roles, from storing energy to insulating us and cushioning impacts.
In reality, fat is constructed from long, chain-like molecules that play crucial roles across various life forms on Earth. For instance, our bodies store energy by converting excess calories into reserves of fat, from vegetable oils found in plant seeds and fruits to the blubber beneath marine mammals' skin.
Regrettably, an overabundance of energy-rich food in recent decades has resulted in an obesity epidemic, making this once essential component a problem. Excess fat can lead to numerous health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, and fatty liver disease.
Yet, for much of human history, our ancestors were more preoccupied with avoiding malnutrition and hunger than with maintaining a toned physique. In many non-Western cultures, animal fat is considered a luxury food or even a delicacy.
Diving deeper, when we discuss body fat, we're actually referring to specialized cells called "adipocytes." Each adipocyte holds a droplet of fat and can swell or shrink depending on the amount of fat to be stored or released. When combined, these fat cells form "adipose tissue," found in various deposits underneath the skin or deep within the spaces between organs.
Apart from storing energy, adipose tissue aids in insulating us, offering warmth, and cushioning shocks on joints, feet, palms, and bottoms – making it challenging for people with little adipose tissue to sit comfortably for extended periods.
Adipose tissue is also critical for facial contours and is essential in tracking our energy needs, particularly in times of scarcity. Scientists consider adipose tissue an organ in its own right due to its unique role in regulating our metabolism and energy storage.
"We rely on our adipose organ to buffer our normal fluctuations of caloric intake and expenditure," explains Professor Stephen O'Rahilly, a co-director of the University of Cambridge's Institute of Metabolic Science.
Fat in our bodies comes in two primary types: white and brown. White adipose tissue (WAT) is primarily responsible for energy storage, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) aids in heat generation. Studies suggest that people with high levels of brown fat are less likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic disorders associated with obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Interestingly, white adipose tissue also acts as a reservoir for specialized immune cells and plays a crucial role in the development of milk-producing glands in animals after pregnancy. The number of fat cells in our bodies remains constant during adult life, even with fluctuating weight.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures like liposuction, the body compensates for the lost fat, and fat levels soon return to normal – regardless of any changes to the patient's diet or exercise routine. The lost tissue may even reappear in unexpected areas, such as the abdomen or the spaces between organs.
Next, let's debunk some common fat myths:
Cholesterol = Bad
Some cholesterol is indeed harmful as it hardens the arteries. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is the "bad" type, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream. Saturated and trans fats boost LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, while healthier fats reduce them.
Olive Oil = Good Health
True. Many studies demonstrate that diets high in olive oil can benefit health and longevity due to the oil's high proportion of mono-unsaturated fats, which lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Fat = High Cholesterol
Not always; saturated fats found in meats, cheeses, and butter increase cholesterol levels, while unsaturated fats reduce them.
High BMI = Poor Health
Body Mass Index (BMI) provides a quick assessment of overweight status but doesn't account for muscle mass or bone density, meaning high BMIs don't always indicate poor health. Only a full-body X-ray can provide detailed information on fat levels.
Now that we understand the importance and complexity of body fat, let's establish a healthier, balanced relationship with our body. Just like our skin, teeth, or heart, our body fat warrants proper care to maintain good health.
- Scientists consider adipose tissue, the specialized cells that store fat in our bodies, an organ in its own right due to its unique role in regulating our metabolism and energy storage.
- Studies suggest that people with high levels of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that aids in heat generation, are less likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic disorders associated with obesity.
- Adipose tissue acts as a reservoir for specialized immune cells and plays a crucial role in the development of milk-producing glands in animals after pregnancy.
- Olive oil, rich in mono-unsaturated fats, is beneficial for health and longevity as it helps lower LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
- High BMIs do not always indicate poor health, as BMI doesn't account for muscle mass or bone density, meaning a full-body X-ray is required for detailed information on fat levels.
