Understanding Body Fat Distribution

One reason many people have trouble losing weight is that they don’t understand how their bodies store fat. In fact, there are multiple types of fat, and each type is stored differently on the body. This guide provides some brief information on this topic, so you can learn more about your body type.

Everyone’s Body Stores Fat Differently
There are several factors that influence how your body stores fat, including gender, age, and hormone distribution. Additionally, hereditary plays a primary factor, influencing how fat is distributed by up to a 50% factor. If you come from a family of obese people with large pot bellies, you can expect the same. While women gain more fat in the hips and buttocks, men are more likely to gain higher amounts of belly fat. As people age, their metabolism slows, resulting in greater weight gain for older adults and seniors.

What Types of Fat Affect People?
Subcutaneous fat comprises more than half of the fat that our bodies store. It’s the softer type of fat that sits closer to the skin and covers the muscles of the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Visceral fat is the type of fat that surrounds the organs in the lower torso and, despite what most people assume, you can’t feel or touch this type of fat. It lays beneath the subcutaneous fat, where it smothers the liver, kidneys, intestines, and other organs.

The final type of fat is called brown fat and it’s actually beneficial in helping people lose weight. Babies and toddlers have the highest amounts of brown fat, which commonly accumulates around the chest and shoulders. Unfortunately, brown fat is gradually lost as we grow older. Research on brown fat has found that it is effective in helping to burn calories, especially when an individual is exposed to colder temperatures.

How Can You Obtain Healthier Fat Allocation?
Eliminating trans fats and sugar from your diet is still the best way to help your body reduce overall fat. Eating healthy fats along with more protein and complex carbs will help your body distribute fat more evenly throughout your body. Additionally, relieving stress, getting enough sleep, and exercising for at least 30 minutes each day are all essential activities.

Burning fat is essential to losing weight and maintaining a healthier physique. Now that you understand more about how fat is stored, you’ll be better prepared to drop those extra pounds. By making more conscious lifestyle choices, you can better control the quality of nutrition you feed your body.

Originally posted on ScottCapelin.co.