Regular endurance exercise can have a positive impact on the health of subcutaneous adipose tissue, which is the tissue directly beneath the skin where fat is stored. This is particularly important for individuals who are overweight or obese, as abnormalities in this tissue can lead to various health issues such as insulin resistance and metabolic conditions. A study from the University of Michigan found that adipose tissue samples taken from individuals who engaged in endurance exercise for more than 2 years had more fat-storing blood vessels and an expanded capacity for storing lipids.
The study noted that metabolic abnormalities in the adipose tissue of individuals with overweight or obesity have been associated with serious complications such as capillary scarcity, inflammatory macrophage infiltration, and dysregulated lipid metabolism. These abnormalities can limit the storage capacity of the tissue, leading to fat being pushed into systemic circulation or causing inflammation and other obesity-related conditions. The research recruited 52 adults with overweight or obesity, dividing them into exercisers and non-exercisers, and comparing their subcutaneous adipose tissue samples to identify differences.
The adipose tissue from individuals who engaged in regular endurance exercise exhibited increased angiogenesis, lipogenic storage capacity, beneficial proteins, mitochondria, and a reduction in a collagen form that can interfere with metabolism and cause inflammation. These factors suggest that regular exercisers may have a healthier environment for fat storage in their adipose tissue. While fat can be stored in various locations in the body, subcutaneous adipose tissue is generally considered the most benign. Visceral fat, which surrounds the organs deep in the body, is known to generate inflammation and lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, decreased physical activity, and dietary habits can contribute to weight gain as individuals age. While popular beliefs may suggest that targeted exercises can reduce fat in specific areas, such as the belly, this is not the case. Fat cells have the capacity to stretch and increase in size, but they do not go away unless they are physically removed. Surgeries like liposuction can remove fat cells, but they do not completely eliminate them. Therefore, it is important for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, to support the health of their subcutaneous adipose tissue and overall well-being.
