Body Fat

Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, is a connective tissue primarily composed of adipocytes (fat cells) and extends throughout your body. It’s found under your skin, between your internal organs, and even in the inner cavities of bones. Body fat plays several vital roles in the body, including energy storage and release, insulation, and cushioning of organs. Besides its benefits, excess accumulation of body fat can lead to obesity, which is associated with a range of health risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is important for overall health and well-being.

If your concern is Body Fatand you don’t know what to do, check this page today, Yes doctor

What is Body Fat?

Body fat, or adipose tissue, is a connective tissue that extends throughout the body to store lipids (fats) and provide insulation and cushioning to the organs. It is found under your skin, between the internal organs (visceral fat), and inside the inner cavities of the body (bone marrow). 

It is an active organ in your endocrine system. Body fat contains nerve cells and blood vessels and communicates through hormone signals with other organs throughout the body. It has several important functions in controlling overall health. But body fat can malfunction if you have too much or too little of it.

Excess accumulation of body fat can lead to obesity, which is associated with a range of health risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential for overall health and well-being.

There are two main types of body fat: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). 

WAT is the more abundant of the two (found in subcutaneous, visceral, and bone marrow fat) and is primarily responsible for energy storage. 

Conversely, BAT is involved in energy expenditure and thermogenesis, or the generation of heat in the body. Brown adipose tissue in humans is mainly found during infancy and decreases with age. It’s located primarily in your upper back.

Common Types of Body Fat

"Fat" is a broad term used to describe all body fat. In fact, it is categorized into several types depending on its location: the belly, thigh, or near your organs.

Some types of fat can impact your health negatively and contribute to disease. At the same time, others are beneficial and necessary for your health. There are several different types of adipocytes, each with unique characteristics and functions.

Overall, the different types of adipocytes have evolved to perform specific bodily functions, and their diversity helps ensure proper energy balance and metabolic regulation. Discussed below are a few different types of body fat:

  • Subcutaneous fat

    The body fat beneath the skin is called subcutaneous fat or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).

    Subcutaneous fat impacts bodily functions in a variety of ways depending on where it is located. Subcutaneous belly fat makes more fatty acids, which can increase insulin resistance and the risk of metabolic disease. Subcutaneous fat in the lower body, on the other hand, takes up and stores fat efficiently, and it fortifies against disease.

    Subcutaneous fat is soft, and many options exist for treating this type of fat. Lifestyle modification works for some people. Liposuction is also an option for the removal of excess subcutaneous fat.

  • Visceral fat

    Visceral fat is the fat stored deep in the belly and makes a lining around internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and heart. Visceral fat accumulation is associated with an increased metabolic risk and overall mortality. It’s also linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, and dementia. 

    It significantly impacts the liver—an organ critical to metabolism. Blood that leaves visceral fat goes directly to the liver and brings anything the fat tissue makes, including fatty acids, hormones, and pro-inflammatory chemicals. We build up more visceral fat with age—fat storage shifts from the lower body to the belly, especially in women.

  • Intramuscular fat

    Intramuscular fat is the visible fat located within the muscles and is also known as "marbling." It is found more in individuals who are overweight or obese. 

    High levels of Intermuscular fat (Intramuscular adipose tissue - IMAT) are associated with certain conditions in older adults, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, diabetes, loss of strength, and mobility dysfunction. Intramuscular fat is also implicated in metabolic dysfunction, such as insulin resistance. 

    Furthermore, older adults with increased Intramuscular fat levels in the locomotor muscles (the skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and other connective tissue) are known to experience increased levels of muscle weakness, decreased mobility function and an increased risk of future mobility limitation.

What Causes Body Fat

Knowing the cause of body fat is the key to managing it and finding its solution. Several factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and hormonal imbalances, can cause the accumulation of body fat. Consuming more calories than the body needs can lead to excess body fat, as can a sedentary lifestyle. Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with thyroid disorders or menopause, can also contribute to the accumulation of body fat.


Read on to know exactly what causes body fat:

  • Overeating and a diet high in calories

    Overeating and consuming a diet high in calories is one of the leading causes of body fat or adipose tissue accumulation. When an individual consumes more calories than their body needs, the excess energy is stored as fat. If this pattern of overeating continues, the body will accumulate fat, leading to weight gain and potential health problems associated with excess body fat.

  • Sedentary lifestyle

    A sedentary lifestyle, or lack of physical activity, is a common cause of body fat or adipose tissue accumulation. When an individual is not physically active, they are not burning as many calories as they could, and excess calories are stored as fat. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and potential health problems associated with excess body fat.

  • Genetics

    Genetics can also play a vital role in accumulating body fat. Some individuals may have a greater tendency to store fat than others, even if they consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Genetic variations can affect how the body metabolizes and stores fat, leading to differences in body composition and fat distribution.

  • Hormonal imbalances

    Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to body fat accumulation. Hormones such as insulin, estrogen, and testosterone play a vital role in regulating metabolism, and their imbalance can affect how the body processes and stores fat. For example, insulin resistance, which is often associated with obesity, can lead to the accumulation of visceral fat, which is particularly harmful to health. Similarly, estrogen and testosterone imbalances can affect body fat distribution and lead to excess fat storage in certain areas, such as the abdomen.

Procedures That Remedy Body Fat

Adipose tissue functions best in healthy amounts. In general, prevention is the key to staying healthy and minimizing the risks associated with body fat. Just try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. However, certain medical procedures may help you reduce fat deposits inside the body:

  • Liposuction

    Liposuction is one of the most popular body contouring procedures that use negative pressure to suction out excess body fat. Due to its promising and life-long results and proven safety record, liposuction is the most sought-after procedure. The procedure may be performed on various body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and neck.

    Find doctors who offer Liposuction
  • CoolSculpting

    CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells in specific body areas. The procedure involves placing a special device on the skin that delivers controlled cooling to the targeted body area, such as the abdomen, thighs, or love handles. The cold temperature causes the fat cells to freeze and die, and the body then naturally eliminates the dead cells over time.

    Find doctors who offer CoolSculpting
  • Bariatric surgery

    Contrary to liposuction (fat loss surgery), bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is a medical procedure designed to help individuals with obesity or severe obesity lose body fat by modifying the digestive system. Bariatric surgery works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold and altering how food is digested, leading to weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthy body fat percentages are based on your age. For example, for people aged 20 to 39, body fat should be 21% to 32% of their entire BMI. Men should have 8% to 19%. For people aged 40 to 59 years, women should fall between 23% to 33%, and men should fall around 11% to 21%. If you're between 60 and 79, women should have 24% to 35% body fat, and men should have 13% to 24%. 

Naturally, the body fat percentage for men is slightly lower than for women. Women's body fat also naturally increases as they age.

Spot-reducing body fat is reducing fat in specific areas through targeted exercise or diet. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception, and it is not possible to spot-reduce body fat in a specific area. When the body loses weight, it loses fat proportionally from all body areas.

Therefore, if you want to reduce body fat in a specific area, such as the abdomen or thighs, you will need to undergo cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures that are tailored to remove fats from specific areas of the body, such as bariatric surgery, liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, body lift, thigh lift, CoolSculpting, laser fat removal, and mesotherapy.

To reduce body fat, you must lose weight overall through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Exercising can help tone and strengthen the muscles but will not necessarily reduce body fat. Consistency and patience are essential when trying to lose body fat, as it can take time to see significant changes in body composition. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine a safe and effective plan for your individual needs.

High body fat is associated with numerous health risks, severely affecting overall health and well-being. Excessive fat accumulation in the body can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. It can also lead to joint problems, sleep apnea, and psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem. Moreover, carrying excess weight can strain the body's organs, leading to reduced mobility, decreased energy levels, and a compromised immune system. Therefore, it is vital to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce excess fat to lower the risk of developing these health issues.

Remedy Your Body Fat with Yes Doctor Financing!

Other concerns

Hair Removal-thumbnail

Hair Removal

Body hair is normal, but some people have more than others. Depending on your personal preferences or the time of year, consider hair removal for cosmetic reasons. Hair removal procedures can be an excellent investment, helping you avoid the ongoing need to shave or wax the affected area. Unwanted hair can require ongoing maintenance to keep it shaved or trimmed. But different hair procedures can be used to reduce or eliminate hair growth in the treatment area. These treatments can get rid of hair for weeks, months, or even years. If you are thinking about hair removal, it’s a great time to talk to a provider to learn more about treatment options.
Learn more
Stubborn Fat-thumbnail

Stubborn Fat

Stubborn fat is fatty adipose tissue that cannot be removed, either because it is too difficult to do so or because the tissue is extremely resistant to diet and exercise. This may be the case even if we stick to stringent exercise routines, eat right, and do everything we're supposed to do. It often takes the form of loose, fatty pouches or pockets found in various parts of the body. Some areas hold on to fat longer than others. There are a variety of different types of fat found within the body, but the most stubborn type is known as subcutaneous fat found just beneath the skin. 
Learn more
Rosacea-thumbnail

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common facial skin disorder that causes redness on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Although rosacea can occur in anyone, it most commonly affects middle-aged women with fair skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. It is characterized by flushing, redness, pimples, pustules, and dilated blood vessels. Most patients with rosacea have eye involvement with symptoms including dryness, redness, tearing, tingling/burning sensation, foreign-body sensation, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Besides skin and eye symptoms, rosacea can cause anxiety, embarrassment, and depression. It can have a substantial impact on the overall quality of life.
Learn more
Acne Scarring-thumbnail

Acne Scarring

Acne is a common problem that affects most people at some point in life. However, if it's not treated properly, it can linger and leave behind scars. The good news is that those kinds of scars are no longer permanent. There are treatments available that can reduce the appearance of acne scars, giving you back confidence and peace of mind. Whether you choose laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels or topical creams and solutions, there are many options to consider. Don’t let acne scarring keep you from living your best life. With commitment and dedication the journey towards beautiful, clear skin can truly begin!
Learn more
Visceral Fat-thumbnail

Visceral Fat

Excess fat stored inside the abdominal cavity and surrounding the organs is termed as visceral fat. It is also called "hidden" or "deep" fat since it is not visible externally and lies beneath the skin's surface. Accumulation of this type of fat is referred to as visceral obesity and can be detrimental to one's health since it secretes hormones and other substances which can up the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer. Additionally, it can cause abdominal obesity, otherwise known as a "beer belly." Eating a balanced diet and performing regular physical activity can help to reduce the chances of developing visceral fat.
Learn more
Birthmarks-thumbnail

Birthmarks

Some babies are born with colored marks on their skin, or they develop these marks soon after birth. If there is a discoloration of the skin in the early stage of life, then it is known as a birthmark. This skin condition is quite common. In fact, many children have at least one mark of some sort, with coloring ranging from red to brown. Sometimes, birthmarks will disappear without treatment. But if an adult still has a birthmark and wants to remove the discoloration, they might consider cosmetic treatments.
Learn more
Skin Elasticity-thumbnail

Skin Elasticity

Skin elasticity refers to our skin's ability to snap back into its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, or compressed. Skin that is elastic is youthful. It has been nourished and moisturized, and it contains essential proteins and nutrients. It can properly conform to the body's shape and maintain a smooth texture. It's also stronger and more capable of withstanding stressors from the environment. Without elasticity, our skin sags. It forms wrinkles, lines, and creases. It becomes brittle, and sometimes it takes on an unhealthy tone. There are many things that can affect skin elasticity, but the most important factors are aging and sunlight. 
Learn more
Maintain Youthful Skin-thumbnail

Maintain Youthful Skin

Regarding skincare regime and goals, the word 'youthful' stays on top of mind. Youthful skin refers to skin that is soft, supple, well-hydrated, rich with cells, smooth and renews relatively quickly. As we age, our skin loses its radiant appearance and elasticity resulting in lesser collagen and elastin production. Youthful skin is characterized by a hydrated and strong skin barrier that helps protect the skin from external stressors and maintain its youthful appearance. Youthful skin is often sought after as a symbol of beauty and vitality. Factors that can impact skin health and appearance include genetics, lifestyle, diet, and exposure to environmental pollutants. A well-rounded skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from the sun can help maintain a youthful appearance.
Learn more