Definition
Subcutaneous fat is stored directly under the skin unlike visceral fat surrounding organs. It causes a puffy appearance but is less metabolically dangerous than visceral fat.
Explanation
- Subcutaneous fat protects against bumps and temperature changes. Women naturally have more due to childbearing needs.
- It piles up all over the body – belly, hips, thighs, arms. Subcutaneous fat results from excess calorie intake.
- Unlike visceral fat, subcutaneous fat has less impact on inflammatory markers and chronic disease risk.
- Losing subcutaneous fat improves appearance but doesn’t influence health markers as much as visceral fat reduction.
Examples
- Pinchable fat forming a spare tire around the midsection.
- Jiggly thigh and arm fat deposits just under the skin.
Related Terms
- Adipose tissue, visceral fat, body composition, caloric excess
Common Questions
- Where does subcutaneous fat get stored? All over the body unlike visceral fat centrally around organs.
- Does it increase health risks? Much less than visceral fat because its location away from organs causes less systemic inflammation.
Do Not Confuse With
- Intramuscular fat – Fat droplets that accumulate inside muscle cells, especially with aging.
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