Body Fat, Overweight, and Obesity
Understanding Body Fat
Body fat, scientifically known as adipose tissue, serves several vital functions in the body. Its primary role is to store lipids, which provide energy. Additionally, it secretes important hormones, cushions organs, and provides insulation.
There are two main types of body fat:
- Essential body fat: This is the minimum fat necessary for survival and reproductive functions. It differs between genders, typically making up 2-5% of body weight in men and 10-13% in women. A healthy body fat percentage generally ranges from 8-19% for men and 21-33% for women. Maintaining body fat below the essential range can have negative health consequences and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Storage fat: Found in subcutaneous tissue (under the skin) and visceral fat (around internal organs in the abdominal cavity), this fat provides energy reserves. While some storage fat is necessary, excessive amounts can pose serious health risks.