CNN — Exercise aids in more than just fat loss. It might also encourage fat that is healthier, per a recent study.
“Being physically active and exercising consistently over time makes our fat tissue a more accommodating place for extra energy under conditions when we do gain weight,” said Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, the lead author of the study and a professor of movement studies at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.
According to a study published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Metabolism, researchers compared the fat tissue under the skin of 16 obese individuals into two groups: those who reported exercising at least four times a week for at least two years, and those who did not exercise regularly. This was done to determine the effects of exercise on fat tissue.
According to Horowitz, those with a history of consistent exercise had fat cells with features that boost their capacity to retain fat, such as a higher concentration of blood arteries, a different protein composition, and a lower number of inflammatory cells.
According to him, it’s critical that the fat tissue beneath the skin has a larger capacity so that, in the event that an individual gains weight, it can move there rather than to more hazardous areas like the liver or heart.
Horowitz stated, “Unfortunately, the majority of us—even those who exercise regularly—gain weight as we age.” “Less will go to our liver, less will go to our heart, and less will go to all these other places that in excess can be really problematic if we have a greater capacity to store that in our fat tissue.”
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, said that this study demonstrates the need for additional research on fat tissue and its relationship to metabolic health and lifestyle modifications. Freeman did not take part in this research.
“It might not be all about being overweight,” he stated.
Better fat tissue
The term “fat” elicits an immediate negative response in many people. However, Horowitz noted that this isn’t always beneficial.
He declared, “Fat tissue itself is very, very important for health.” “It’s actually a significant source of our excess energy.”
According to Freeman, researchers are only now beginning to understand the tissue’s multiple purposes beyond its traditional understanding as a place to store energy. He stated, “It makes sense to be somewhat fat in order to have some reserve, but not to the extent that the average American has.”
According to Horowitz, the objective is more ability to store fat, not more fat tissue. According to him, fat tissue should be stored beneath the skin, and if it can’t, it will move to other organs like the pancreas, liver, or heart. According to Horowitz, increased fat in certain organs impairs their ability to function.
Exercise recommendations
The study’s main finding, according to Horowitz, is that maintaining a healthy weight is just another reason to lead an active lifestyle.
He clarified, “We’re not changing the recommendation, but we’re increasing the understanding of why exercise is beneficial.”
Freeman suggests giving exercise a go first thing in the morning if you’d like to start.
“In many cases, it functions as a natural stimulant just as well as coffee,” he stated. Furthermore, you don’t have to bother about paying for or traveling to a gym.
“There are a lot of ways to work out, but the most important thing is to figure out how to incorporate it into your daily routine so it becomes a habit,” Freeman continued.
The objective is to get 30 minutes a day of intense, breath-taking exercise, but you may start with just briskly walking around your block, he advised.
“It’s safe, of course, but you should check with your doctor first,” Freeman stated.
