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Not all fat is the same

Beneficial Effects of Subcutaneous Fat Transplantation on Metabolism

Subcutaneous (SC) and visceral (VIS) obesity are associated with different risks of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. To elucidate whether these differences are due to anatomic location or intrinsic differences in adipose depots, we characterized mice after transplantation of SC or VIS fat from donor mice into either SC or VIS regions of recipient mice. The group with SC fat transplanted into the VIS cavity exhibited decreased body weight, total fat mass, and glucose and insulin levels. These mice also exhibited improved insulin sensitivity during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with increased whole-body glucose uptake, glucose uptake into endogenous fat, and insulin suppression of hepatic glucose production. These effects were observed to a lesser extent with SC fat transplanted to the SC area, whereas VIS fat transplanted to the VIS area was without effect. These data suggest that SC fat is intrinsically different from VIS fat and produces substances that can act systemically to improve glucose metabolism





I'd read this in Lyle McDonald's Stubborn Bodyfat Solution where he spends chapter 3 discussing the different types of bodyfat:

  • essential
  • brown adipose tissue
  • visceral fat
  • subcutaneous fat (and stubborn fat which is a subtype of this)
and how they differ.

This press release goes over similar ground.

Not all fat created equal

Joslin researchers find certain body fat reduces insulin resistance

BOSTON -- May 6, 2008 -- It has long been known that type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, particularly fat inside the belly. Now, researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center have found that fat from other areas of the body can actually reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity.

In a study published in the May issue of Cell Metabolism, a team lead by C. Ronald Kahn, M.D. found that subcutaneous fat -- fat found below the skin, usually in the hips and thighs -- is associated with reduced insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Kahn said it is possible that subcutaneous fat may be producing certain hormones, known as adipokines, which produce beneficial effects on metabolism. These effects may offset the negative effects produced by abdominal fat.
Interesting stuff
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Anonymous said…
Really interesting stuff, thanks for putting these things out.
May 7, 2008 at 9:06 AM
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