New research published in the journal Nature Metabolism on Sept. 10 found that people with obesity who engage in regular aerobic exercise have healthier fat stored in their bellies compared to those who do not exercise. The study followed 32 participants, both male and female, with half of them exercising four times per week for two years or more. The researchers found that even if the participants had the same percentage of overall body fat, those who exercised consistently had more beneficial belly fat. Jeffrey Horowitz, a professor of exercise physiology at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, highlighted how important it is to store energy in the form of fat under the skin.
The study conducted by Horowitz and his fellow researchers matched the two groups of participants by age, body fat percentage, sex, and body mass index (BMI). After collecting fat tissue samples from each participant’s belly and measuring blood flow, rigidity, and fibrousness of the tissue, they found that exercise restructured the active group’s abdominal fat, making their tissue less fibrous. This means that certain fat cells were able to expand and store fat, which is beneficial. The research highlighted the importance of differentiating between subcutaneous fat, the fat just under the skin, and visceral fat, which lives deeper in the belly between organs and is associated with numerous health risks.
Having flexible fat cells due to regular exercise allows the body to store more fat subcutaneously, where it is less harmful. If fat cells are inflexible, the fat ends up between organs instead, leading to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. The study also found that fat tissue in the group that exercised was less inflamed and had more blood vessels, allowing for more energy extraction from fat stores. Higher insulin sensitivity in exercisers also helps to lower the risk of diabetes. The results suggest that regular exercise leads to healthier subcutaneous adipose tissue and overall better metabolic function.
While fat is often viewed negatively, it plays essential roles in storing and releasing energy, insulating the body, and hormone signaling. However, too much or too little fat can disrupt bodily functions. To reduce belly fat, individuals can opt for foods that take longer to digest, increase fiber and protein intake, exercise regularly, monitor sleep and stress levels, and reduce alcohol consumption. The study showcases the importance of body fat distribution and the impact of exercise on the type of fat stored in the body, highlighting the complexity of obesity and the need to consider individual body types and lifestyle habits.
