Fat cells and fat storage
We all know about fat and have an opinion on it. But do we understand how fat is stored and what it is used for? Here we look at the basics of fat cells.
Fat is essential. It provides energy for our bodies; it provides insulation and protection around our organs and ensures we can digest fat-soluble vitamins.
Fat is stored in fat cells; a typical infant will have around 5 or 6 billion fat cells. A healthy adult will generally have25-30billion. Once an adult becomes classed as overweight, the number can rise to 75million, and an obese person will have 250 million to 300 million.
Inside each fat cell are triglycerides. This is the form that fat is stored in the body. Cells fil with triglycerides as a reserve of energy for the body. If the triglycerides are not depleted, each cell will continue to fill. Once it reaches 4 x its original size, it will multiply by creating a new fat cell. The process will then start again. Create more fat cells to be filled with triglycerides. If the energy consumed by a person is greater than the energy expended, the body will continue to store it in its fat cells. Thus, a person will gain weight.
Distribution of fat
- Visceral fat – Stored within the abdominal cavity, located near several vital organs, including the liver, stomach, and intestines. We do need a small amount of visceral fat to protect these orphans. However, too much is dangerous to our health. We can’t see visceral fat with the naked
- Subcutaneous fat – Stored just under the skin, around the arms and legs and the belly. Fat stored around the abdomen can be a combination of subcutaneous and visceral.
How do I measure my body fat?
It quite difficult to measure body fat at home. However, there are ways that you can keep track of your weight.
- Scales: This option is simple and can give you an indication of weight increase and decrease. However, just relying on scales can be misleading. It is possible to lose water and muscle weight whilst not seeing a decrease in body fat.
- WHR – Waist to hip ratio measures the ratio of waist circumference to your hip. Medical professional use WHR to estimate how much fat is stored around your waist, hip, and buttocks.
- BIA – Bioelectrical impedance analysis. This method uses a device that sends a very weak electrical current around your body. As the current travels through fat muscle and water at different speeds, that rate of the currents return can estimate body composition. This method depends on the device used (pay for what you get) and the skill of the individual administering the test. BIA can be extremely sensitive, and things such as recent exercise, a full stomach and drinking caffeine before the test can throw the results off.
At Permanent Perfection, we provide BIA assessments during the consultation and process and throughout treatment if required. For BIA, we use Body Stat devices.
What can I do about excess fat?
In a word, lots! At Permanent Perfection, we have a range of non-surgical fat removal technologies at our disposal. Our treatments can permanently remove fat cells. Once more, we are so passionate about supporting our customers to manage their fat that we provide free personal training and diet planning with our body contouring packages.
So, if you want to lose your unwanted fat cells and keep them off, what are you waiting for? Get in touch now!
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