Adipose TissueFunction in the Body

Why Is It Important?Why Is It Important? Energy stores in the form of fat – main role of AT

While carbohydrates are main source of energy in body, fat provides the most energy per gram (9kcal)

Protection – cushion for body/internal organs,muscle fibers, nerves (myelin sheath), bloodvessels

Temperature regulation – insulation (reducedheat loss through skin)

Cell membrane structure, vitamin (A,D,E,K)storage and transport, reproductive function,secretion of chemicals controlling appetite

Good Fats vs. Bad FatsGood Fats vs. Bad Fats “Good” fats – reduce risk of heart disease

Monounsaturated: vegetable oils, nuts, avocado,…

Polyunsaturated: omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, soybean oil, fish, flaxseed,…

“Bad” fats – heart disease (atherosclerosis) Saturated: butter, margarine Trans: processed, fried, frozen

foods

AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis

Cholesterol andCholesterol andits Role in the Bodyits Role in the Body

Cholesterol: lipid produced by liver, consumed in diet Vital for body function! Carried in blood by lipoproteins

LDL (“bad” cholesterol): liver cells – increased risk of CVD/CHD Increased by consumption of saturated fats

and trans fatty acids HDL (“good” cholesterol): cells liver –

decreased risk of disease Increased by regular physical activity/exercise Decreased by consumption of trans fatty

acids

Age and MaturationAge and Maturation With age…

brown AT overall AT

Puberty – hyperplastic growth Pregnancy – hyperplastic growth Slowed metabolism – hypertrophic growth

Changes in AT distribution Menopausal women - subcutaneous

abdominal fat

Gains per YearGains per Year Analysis of weight and eating and lifestyle habits

of nearly 121,000 men and women – tracked every 4 years over a 20 year time period

Average +3.35lbs/4 years, +17lbs/2 decades

Most unhealthful dietary changes: +4lbs/4 years

Extra serving of chips per day: +1.7lbs/4 years

One more sugar-sweetened beverage a day: +1lb/4 years

Other factors: decreased physical activity, increased alcohol intake, less than six hours of sleep a night or more than eight, increased screen time