Our bodies are complex machines that have many different parts that work together to make things function smoothly. No matter what type of body you have, fat is a necessary part of our body’s function. In fact, it has several benefits for health.
The first purpose of fat is to store extra calories in a safe way so you can mobilize that energy when you’re hungry. Second, fat releases hormones that help control metabolism. There are several types of fat each with a different function. But when there is too much fat present, it can cause damage.
Here is some more information on the types of body fat and how you can control these to live a healthier lifestyle.
Brown fat
Brown fat was previously thought of as having very little worth. On the contrary, it does have one primary, and very important, function: keeping people warm. Children usually have more brown fat than adults and it was initially developed in response to body temperature regulation. In addition, recent studies have shown that lean individuals usually have more brown fat than overweight people, and when the brown fat is stimulated, it can burn calories quickly.
White fat
The job of white fat is to store energy and produce hormones that are released into the bloodstream. Small cells in this fat produce a hormone called adiponectin in the body that makes muscles and the liver sensitive to insulin, which makes people less susceptible to developing heart disease or diabetes.
Subcutaneous fat
This is the fat that is found right under the skin and is used to help estimate your total body fat. This type of fat is common around the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.
Visceral fat
This is the kind of dangerous fat that can wrap itself around the inside of the organs and cause significant health problems. If you have a large waist or stomach, this visceral fat can increase your chances of developing dementia, stroke, diabetes, or heart disease. It also plays a key role in insulin resistance, which could cause an increase in developing diabetes.
Belly fat
This is generally unhealthy fat that is made up of visceral and subcutaneous fat. Women that have a waist larger than 35 inches and men that have a waist that is more than 40 inches, have an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, or heart disease.
How can these fats be controlled?
Fat is a normal part of the body and everyone needs it. However, fat in excess will become a problem. It’s a fact that too much fat can be associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and other chronic health conditions. There are a variety of ways your body fat can be controlled to healthier levels, which we will cover here.
- Reduce your liquid caloric intake: When you’re drinking high-sugar drinks with little to no nutrients, you are increasing your liquid caloric intake. These kinds of drinks make your blood sugar skyrocket, then crash fast, which makes you crave more sugar.
- Get enough fiber in your diet: Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but research shows that some fiber can help burn fat. Add some whole grains to your diet and increase your intake of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, too.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Smaller, lighter meals can be helpful in keeping excess body fat at bay. For example, don’t eat a full meal packed with calories at 8 o’clock at night. Instead, have a smaller meal earlier in the day and if you’re hungry for a snack, munch on a handful of fresh green vegetables.
- Drink enough water: We have all heard the importance of drinking enough water during the day. But did you know that drinking a glass of water with your meals can not only help keep you hydrated and will help bolster your metabolism? That one simple change to your meal routines can make a big difference!
- Keep moving: You don’t have to commit to being in the gym seven days a week. However, you do need to come with a plan to stay active on a regular basis. Start slowly and build your way up to exercising five times a week. Whether it’s jogging, biking, walking, or working one on one with a personal trainer, staying active is a very important part of keeping body fat from settling in.
For those who have tried traditional weight-loss tactics and have worked hard to eat well and are still morbidly obese, weight loss surgery can help. It can be especially helpful when combined with a regular exercise program and a healthy eating plan. To learn more about treatment options for obesity, watch our FREE online seminar and then reach out to us at WeightWise.