The Two Types of Body Fats

When we talk about fats, the first thing that comes to mind is cholesterol.  However, regardless of cholesterol, fat is an essential part of the human body.  It is designed to be a part of our body structure.  Without them, our body won’t function well.  So there really is no getting away from fats.

There are two common types of body fats: the subcutaneous fats and the visceral fats.  Subcutaneous fats are fats that lie underneath our skin.  Visceral fats are fats located between the organs and contribute mostly to our belly fat.

Subcutaneous Fats

Subcutaneous fats are basically responsible in providing our skin with fats.  Fat in our skin is not necessarily a bad thing.  It gives the skin plumpness and moisture to reduce wrinkles and produce the skin’s natural glow.  So, if we do not have subcutaneous fats, our skin will be naturally wrinkled.  However, too much of it can cause extra fats bulging in our body.  Those unsightly cellulites, love handles, and double chins are subcutaneous fats in excess.

Having excessive subcutaneous fats not only causes cellulite problems, it also stretches the skin causing stretch marks.  Unfortunately, subcutaneous fats are very stubborn.  They are not easily reduced by the right diet and exercise.  It takes years of correct diet and regular exercise for it to be less visible.  That’s why even some fitness enthusiasts and experts also have cellulites and love handles problems.  Fortunately though, subcutaneous fats are not as dangerous as visceral fats.  Although it can be unsightly, it does not pose much danger for the health.

Visceral Fats

Visceral fats, on the other hand, are the fats stored in our internal organs.  They surround the different internal organs like the heart, kidneys, livers, etc.  While visceral fat is a part of the body, it can certainly be induced or reduced depending on our eating habits and daily lifestyle.

A sedentary lifestyle easily accumulates visceral fats in our body.  Visceral fat is primarily responsible for the body’s metabolism (i.e., heart rate and energy).  So, a modest amount of it increases our metabolism that helps give us energy.  Too much of it can increase heart problems, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, not to mention weight gain.

Having excessive subcutaneous and visceral fats are dangerous to one’s health.  But visceral fat has proved to be more dangerous because it tends to accumulate in our vital organs.  Furthermore, there seems to be no other way of reducing visceral fats except through exercise.  Fortunately, a regular moderate intensity physical activity can easily shed off visceral fats.  Reducing visceral fats can help in improving one’s health.