Why too much fat in our bodies cause more harm than good?
Adipocytes, or fat cells, have been a topic of debate for decades. Initially deemed nonfunctional, we now know that they are functional cells that release hormones akin to our endocrine system that can affect the natural balance of our body's functions. With prevailing social media and popular programming focused on emphasizing the pleasurable aspects of high-fat and sugar-rich foods—which in turn fuel excess fat storage in our bodies—in this section, we will explore why this is not desirable for health.
The true function of an adipocyte:
An adipocyte or fat cell is not merely storing energy in the form of triacylglycerols but is also releasing hormones and inflammatory cytokines that affect normal day-to-day metabolic processes in a negative manner when present in excess.
One of the important hormones secreted by an adipocyte is leptin, which plays a key role in weight maintenance and sends signals to the brain to help regulate peripheral processes.
Resistin and adiponectin are two other agents secreted by the adipocyte. The adipocyte is very sensitive to insulin and plays a vital role in glucose metabolism.
The adipocyte responds to insulin by taking up glucose and increasing levels of the storage form of energy, namely triacylglycerol.
Types of adipocytes:
Adipocytes are now classified into white, brown, beige, and pink.
They differ in their size, color, and types of organelles that perform different functions.
The beige and brown adipocytes can be classified as more thermogenic cells that can burn energy more efficiently and, hence, can help protect against obesity.
The white adipocytes represent the largest volume of adipose tissue in the body and are involved the most in the fat expansion that happens in obesity.
The pink adipocyte has been seen in lactating and pregnant rodents. It is important to note that a reversible white-to-pink differentiation has been investigated in the case of breast cancer pathology, and this is a topic requiring further discussion.
Excess fat in the abdominal region and around internal organs:
In essence, when there is an excess of visceral or abdominal fat, these adipocytes tend to have a harmful hormonal signature that fuels the release of endocrine substances that cause chronic inflammation and aggravate atherosclerosis, oxidative damage, and, in several years, even cancer.
When there is an excess of this type of fat, it has decreased responsiveness to insulin and leptin, so the normal metabolic processes are compromised further.
We are seeing increased levels of leptin and insulin resistance, and higher levels of these hormones may also fuel chronic inflammation, tumor growth, and cancer.
Levels of adiponectin, which is beneficial to health, are often blunted in leptin- and insulin-resistant states, further contributing to the vicious cycle.
Obese individuals often have unhealthy skeletal muscle tissue secondary to inactivity, and it is important to note that 80% of our bodies metabolism and uptake of glucose are regulated by skeletal muscle.
In the above discussion, I have given you a snippet of what excess fat can do to your health. I hope that you will take this into consideration when planning meals and activities. Health is a gift that requires maintenance; therefore, I pray that you keep your health at the center focus and live long and strong!
