A human or other living being's body fat percentage (BFP) is the entire mass of fat divided by total body mass multiplied by 100; body fat includes vital body fat and stored body fat. To preserve life and reproductive processes, essential is required.
WHAT PRODUCES BODY FAT?
Stress and food consumption both contribute to the accumulation of body fat. Stress stimulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which raises the visceral fat ratio in our bodies. Obesity is caused by this sort of fat, which is most commonly found around our belly, arms, legs, and other body areas.
Our bodies are extremely efficient at trapping and storing fat. This means that fat cells that aren't required to regulate bodily functions will quickly turn into excess visceral fat.
There are numerous foods that can contribute to an increase in body fat. Trans fats, which are prevalent in processed and fried meals, are among the unhealthiest fats. High-sugar meals and drinks (for example, sodas) can also trigger rapid weight gain.
White, brown, and beige fat cells are the most common. They can be stored as subcutaneous, essential, or visceral fat.
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them.
Each type of fat serves a different role. Some promote healthy metabolism and hormone levels, while others contribute to life-threatening diseases.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BODY FAT
Brown
Brown fat is mostly present in infants, while adults do retain a tiny amount of brown fat, usually in the neck and shoulders.
To keep you warm, this type of fat burns fatty acids. Researchers are looking for techniques to promote brown fat activity in order to help prevent obesity.
Essential fats
As mentioned above, essential fat is good fat. It helps maintain proper body temperature, cell structure and protects our internal organs from harm. Essential fat cannot be lost without a detrimental effect to our health. For example, healthy women need around 10 to 13 percent of their total body weight to be comprised of essential fats.
White
White fat is the type of fat that most people immediately think of.
It’s made up of large, white cells that are stored under the skin or around the organs in the belly, arms, buttocks, and thighs. These fat cells are the body’s way of storing energy for later use.
This type of fat also plays a large role in the function of hormones such as:
- estrogen
- leptin (one of the hormones that stimulates hunger)
- insulin
- cortisol (a stress hormone)
- growth hormone
While some white fat is necessary for good health, too much white fat is very harmful. Healthy body fat percentages range depending on your level of fitness or physical activity.
Subcutaneous fat
This layer of fat is found right underneath our skin and makes up around 90% of the fat found in our bodies. Subcutaneous body fat is most often used to measure body fat levels utilizing a skin-fold test.
Subcutaneous FatSubcutaneous fat, often known as "soft fat," is the fat that is commonly used to calculate a person's BMI (BMI). Given its placement beneath the skin and outside of the abdominal cavity, this is frequently the fat we notice when we look in the mirror around the waist, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Subcutaneous fat, unlike visceral fat, can give some health benefits, according to a 2015 study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology. The study discovered that a buildup of this soft fat was closely related to a lower risk of cholesterol and fat buildup inside arterial walls. This type of fat is also linked to a lower risk of calcium deposition within the coronary artery.
Beige (brite)
Beige (or brite) fat is a relatively new area of research. These fat cells function somewhere between brown and white fat cells. Similarly to brown fat, beige cells can help burn fat rather than store it.
What Is a Healthy Body Fat Percentage?
Throughout our society, the word "fat" has been misconstrued as the enemy of good health and nutrition. However, the truth is that the human body need fat. Fat aids in the digestion of nutrients and even helps to keep us warm. But how much fat is sufficient?
A healthy body fat percentage is determined by numerous factors, and it differs from person to person. Instead, ranges for measuring men and women of various ages and levels of fitness have been defined.
Conclusion
There are beneficial types of body fat and bad types of body fat. Far too many people believe that all fat is harmful, which can lead to serious health concerns when they try to lose weight. We can stay healthy despite losing weight if we understand which body fats are necessary for optimal health and which aren't.
