What Are Fat Cells? Understanding the Body’s Energy Storage System

• 22 April 2024
• Mr A. Siddiqui

Last updated on April 23, 2024

At Breast & Body Clinic UK, we understand the importance of a healthy relationship with your body. Whether you’re considering a Mummy Makeover or other cosmetic procedures like liposuction or breast reduction, understanding your body’s composition can be empowering. Today, the cosmetic surgery specialists at Breast & Body Clinic UK look at the fascinating world of fat cells, exploring their role, types, and how they impact your physique.

The Mighty Fat Cell: Not Just About Bulges

Fat cells, also known as adipocytes, are specialised cells within your body’s connective tissue. They play a crucial role in several vital functions, not just storing excess energy. Here’s a breakdown of their importance:

• Energy Storage

  Fat serves as the body’s primary energy reserve. When you consume more calories than you burn, these calories in fat storage are converted into triglycerides and stored within fat cells for future use.

• Hormone Production

  Fat cells are surprisingly active, secreting hormones like leptin (regulating satiety), adiponectin (influencing insulin sensitivity), and oestrogen (important for various bodily functions).

• Brain Health

  Fat cells play a crucial role in brain health by providing essential fatty acids that build and insulate brain cells, promoting optimal cognitive function. A diet rich in healthy fats and fatty acid like omega-3s supports memory, learning, and overall brain health.

• Insulation and Protection

  Fat provides insulation, helping your body maintain core temperature. It will also generate heat, and cushions and protects vital organs from external impact.

• Shock Absorption

  Fat deposits around joints act as shock absorbers, minimising wear and tear during movement.

There are two main types of fat cells – white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Both perform different roles in the body.

Two Main Types of Fat Cells

There are two primary types of fat cells, each with distinct functions:

• White Adipose Tissue (WAT)

  White adipose tissue is the most abundant type, typically what people refer to as “body fat.” WAT cells store excess energy in the form of triglycerides and are found throughout the body, including subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (around organs).

• Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)

  Often referred to as “brown fat,” brown adipose tissue or brown adipose cells are responsible for heat generation. They contain a higher concentration of mitochondria, which burn calories and generate heat, particularly in newborns to maintain body temperature.

Differences Between Subcutaneous Fat and Visceral Fat

Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, though both stored by the body, have key differences:

• Location: Subcutaneous fat sits just beneath the skin, visible in areas like thighs and belly rolls. Visceral fat accumulates deeper within the abdomen, surrounding organs like the liver and intestines.
• Health Impact: Subcutaneous fat is generally less concerning for health, though excessive amounts can contribute to health risks. Visceral fat, however, is linked to increased risk of heart disease, metabolic diseases, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers due to its hormone production and inflammatory properties.
• Appearance: Subcutaneous fat creates the visible bulges and curves on the body. Visceral fat contributes to a protruding belly, even in thin individuals, and may not be readily noticeable.

The Differences Between Men and Women in Terms of Fat Cells

Men and women have distinct fat cell distributions and tendencies. Women naturally carry more body fat (18-25%) than men (10-15%) due to hormonal influences like oestrogen, which promotes fat storage for potential childbearing. This fat tends to accumulate in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, offering cushioning and insulation. Men, on the other hand, store fat more centrally around the abdomen (visceral fat), which is linked to greater health risks. Additionally, men tend to have a higher percentage of brown fat (brown adipose tissue), which helps burn calories, while women have a higher proportion of white fat (white adipose tissue) for long-term energy storage.

The Balancing Act: Fat Distribution and Health

The distribution and quantity of fat cells significantly impact your health and appearance. While some fat is essential for bodily functions, excessive weight gain leads to an increase in WAT cells. This can contribute to various health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic diseases, and certain cancers. Visceral fat, specifically, is considered more detrimental to health than subcutaneous fat.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a basic indicator of weight status for adults. It’s calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared (kg/m²). However, it has limitations:

• Doesn’t distinguish fat vs. muscle: Muscular individuals can have a high Body Mass Index despite low body fat.
• Doesn’t consider body type: Body Mass Index doesn’t differentiate between body shapes (apple vs. pear).
• Not for children or very elderly: Body Mass Index has different interpretations for children and the elderly.

Despite these limitations, Body Mass Index can be a starting point for weight discussions. It’s crucial to combine BMI with other factors like waist circumference and body composition analysis for a more accurate picture of health.

Fat cells are permanent, they simply increase or decrease in size as fat storage changes. Liposuction, Mommy Makeovers, and tummy tucks are some of the only permanent ways to reduce fat cells and subcutaneous fat to improve body contouring.

Understanding Fat Cells and Body Contouring

At Breast & Body Clinic UK, we offer various procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, mummy makeovers, and breast reductions that target specific fat deposits. These procedures are not weight-loss solutions but can help reshape your body by removing unwanted fat and sculpting a more desirable silhouette.

Understanding Your Body, Achieving Your Goals

At Breast & Body Clinic UK, we believe in a holistic approach to body contouring. By understanding your body’s composition, including fat cells, we can work together to design a customised plan to achieve your aesthetic goals. Whether it’s liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits or a mummy makeover to address post-pregnancy changes, we’re here to empower you on your journey towards a more confident you.

As one of the top cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK, you can view our patient testimonials here or see our before and after results for yourself.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation and explore how we can help you sculpt your dream body!

FAQs

Do fat cells multiply?

While the total number of fat cells in an adult is generally fixed after puberty, existing fat cells can significantly increase in size when excess calories are consumed and fat storage increases, or if you have insulin resistance.This means that when you put on non-muscle weight, you get enlarged fat cells as the amount of fat stored increases, and when you lose weight, these existing fat cells shrink.

Can I lose fat cells?

Yes, liposuction helps remove fat cells permanently from targeted areas. However, remaining fat cells can still expand if you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is the difference between good and bad fat cells?

There isn’t inherently a “good” and “bad” type of fat tissue, but rather a difference in their function and impact on health:

• Brown Fat Cells

  Considered “good” fat, brown adipose tissue (BAT) or brown fat cells burn calories to generate heat, aiding in body temperature regulation and potentially boosting metabolism.

• White Fat Cells

  While essential for energy storage and insulation, excessive white adipose tissue (WAT) or white fat cells can be detrimental. Large WAT deposits, particularly visceral fat around organs, are linked to increased health risks like heart disease and diabetes.

So, it’s more about the quantity and location of fat cells and fat tissue than the type itself.

Can I “spot reduce” fat or lose excess fat in target areas?

Unfortunately, spot reduction (losing excess fat in specific areas through exercise alone) is not a reliable strategy. Exercise helps burn overall body fat, which then reduces fat tissue deposits throughout your body, including targeted areas, as well as reducing unhealthy weight gain.

Do I need more fat cells if I’m underweight?

In some cases, individuals with a very low body weight may have fewer fat cells. However, the focus should be on healthy weight gain and more fat tissue through a balanced diet that includes fatty acid and exercise.

How can I maintain a healthy fat cell balance?

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep promotes healthy fat cell function and distribution, reducing excess fat and weight gain as well as risks of metabolic diseases, insulin resistance, and heart disease.