Body fat is simply stored energy waiting to be used. They are stored in the adipose tissues throughout the body, particularly in the brain, abdomen and hips. A healthy percentage of body fat must be maintained for vital functions. However, too much body fat can lead to many diseases and disorders associated with obesity.
Functions
Adipose tissues are made up of 80 percent fats and 20 percent water and protein. Fat underneath the skin provides insulation against the cold, and deeper layers around organs cushion them from physical shock and jarring. It also stores excess fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and energy for later use.
Types
Triglycerides are the most common form of fat ingested and are made up of glycerol and a fatty acid chain. There are three kinds of fats: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and have single bonds throughout the fatty acid chain. Monounsaturated fats have one carbon double bond, while polyunsaturated fats have more two or more double bonds. Both of these fats are liquid at room temperature.
Phospholipids are similar to triglycerides in structure except they have at least one fatty acid replaced with a compound that contains phosphorus. This type of fat forms and maintains cell membranes.
Cholesterols act as precursors to sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), vitamin D, and bile acids. They provide transport to lipid in the bloodstream.
Body Fat Percentage
According to the American Council of Exercise, or ACE, a healthy body fat percentage for men is 14 to 24 percent, while for women, it is 21 to 31 percent. People with any percentage higher than 25 and 35 percent respectively are considered obese.
Fat Loss vs. Weight Loss
Many people focus too much on weight loss, not fat loss. Weight loss measures net body weight and disregards whether the loss is from fat, muscle, water or hair. Fat loss focuses on how much fat weights is lost in relation to how much muscle and other lean tissues are maintained or gained. Therefore, using a scale to measure progress is not the best method.
Warning
Having too much body fat causes many problems, both acute and chronic. Acute conditions include movement impairment, higher risk of falls and accidents, and reduced physical agility and speed. Chronic problems include breathing difficulties, heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and increased risk of cancer.
Social and economic issues that can accompany having too much body fat include paying more in insurance premiums and for clothing and some airline seats.
References
- "Perspectives in Nutrition;" Gordon Wardlaw and Margaret Kessel; 2002
- American Council of Exercise
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