What is Adipose Tissue?

Adipose Tissue Functions, Disorders & Treatments You Should Know

Adipose tissue, also known as body fat, is specialised connective tissue that consists of adipocyte cells, which mainly store energy in the form of fat. It also acts as a storehouse of energy, provides insulation to the body, cushions the internal organs, and controls metabolism through the secretion of hormones like leptin.

Though often associated with excess, healthy amounts of adipose are vital to normal physiology. Keep reading below to learn more about adipose tissues in detail.

What is the location of adipose tissue?

The major sites of adipose tissues include:

• Subcutaneous fat: It is located beneath the skin.
• Visceral fat: Fats found around internal body organs like the liver, kidneys, and the intestines.
• Bone marrow fat: Found within bones.
• Intramuscular fat: This is fat that is located in the muscle tissue.
• Breast tissue: It consists of adipose tissue that sustains the mammary glands.
• Buttocks, thighs, and abdomen: These are some of the common places where fat is stored.

What are the Types of Adipose Tissues?

The human body has two primary kinds of adipose tissue, each of which has its specific functions and features:

White Adipose Tissue:

• It is the most abundant type in the body.
• Stores energy in the form of triglycerides.
• Provides insulation and cushioning for organs.
• Releases hormones which control metabolism and appetite.

Brown Adipose Tissue:

• Primarily found in newborns and traces in adults.
• Contains more mitochondria, thus appearing brown.
• Produces heat by a process of thermogenesis to regulate body temperature.
• Contributes to calorie burning and weight management.

Scientists also identified a third type, beige adipose tissue, which can switch between white and brown adipose phenotypes depending on cold exposure or other stimuli.

What is the Function of Adipose Tissue?

Adipose tissue plays several crucial roles in the human body. Here are its key functions:

• Energy Storage: It stores excess energy from food in triglycerides, which the body can use when it needs fuel.
• Insulation: Helps regulate body temperature by providing a layer of thermal insulation under the skin.
• Cushioning & Protection: Acts as a protective cushion around vital organs, reducing impact from external forces.
• Hormone Secretion: Produces hormones like leptin, which regulates appetite and metabolism, and adiponectin, which influences insulin sensitivity.
• Immune Function: Contains immune cells that help in fighting infections and inflammation.
• Thermogenesis(specific to brown adipose tissue): Generates heat to maintain body temperature, especially in newborns and cold environments.

What are the conditions related to adipose tissue?

Here are some of the brief conditions concerning adipose tissues in humans:

Too Much: Obesity

• Excess adipose tissue, especially visceral, is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.

Too Little: Lipodystrophy

• Rare conditions with abnormal or absent fat that cause metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver and reduced leptin.

Other Disorders

• Dercum’s disease: Painful fatty growths are treatable by liposuction or steroid injections.
• Lipedema: Painful fat accumulation in legs, resistant to diet but managed through a combination of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), compression garments, and specialized exercise.

What is the treatment and medical management of conditions related to adipose tissues?

Conditions related to adipose tissue, like obesity, lipodystrophy, and metabolic syndrome, require a multifaceted approach to treatment and management.

Lifestyle & Medical Care

• A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce excess fat.
• Treat underlying conditions(e.g., insulin resistance in lipodystrophy).
• Medications for metabolic complications (e.g., insulin or lipid-lowering drugs).
• Leptin replacement therapy for generalised lipodystrophy improves metabolic health.

What are the Ways to Reduce Adipose Tissue?

Reducing adipose tissue involves a combination of smart nutrition, consistent movement, and sustainable habits.

What is the Care and Prevention of Conditions Related to Adipose Tissue?

Here are a few ways to care for and prevent conditions related to adipose tissues:

• Maintain a healthy weight with nutrition and physical activity.
• Regular medical monitoring of metabolic markers (blood sugar, cholesterol, liver function).
• Seek early evaluation for unusual fat distribution.
• Compression therapy & physical therapist care for lipedema and Dercum’s disease.
• Genetic counselling for hereditary lipodystrophy.

What are the risks and complications of conditions related to adipose tissues?

Conditions involving adipose (fat) tissue, especially when it becomes excessive or dysfunctional, can lead to health risks.

• Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver.
• Lipodystrophy can lead to metabolic disorders and complications from leptin deficiency.
• Procedural risks: Liposuction carries standard surgical risks (infection, bleeding, contour irregularities). Cryolipolysis may rarely cause a side effect called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), where the treated area increases in size.
• Surgery-related issues in bariatric surgery include morbidity (~21 %) and require pre-operation preparation.

Also Read:

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→ Different Types of Avulsion

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