Our body which is very complex and comprises three different types of fat cells: White, Brown, Beige
White: White fat is the type of fat that comes to our minds immediately. It is made up of large, white cells that are deposited under the skin or around the organs in the belly, arms, buttocks, and thighs. These fat cells are used by the body as a source of energy as and when needed. They also play a huge role in regulating hormones like:
estrogen
leptin (one of the hormones that stimulates hunger)
insulin
cortisol (a stress hormone)
growth hormone
White fat in a limited quantity is needed for good health, though too much of it gets extremely harmful. The healthy body fat percentages range depending on your level of fitness or physical activity. According to the American Council on Exercise, men who are non-athletes should have a total body fat percentage in the 14 to 24 percent range, while women who are non-athletes should be in the 21 to 31 percent range.
Brown: Brown fat is typically found in babies, adults retain some brown fats in necks and shoulders. Brown fats burn fatty acids to keep us warm.
Beige:Beige fat is a relatively new in the area of research. These fat cells function somewhere between brown and white fat cells. Similarto brown fat, beige cells can help burn fat rather than store it.
Fat cells can be stored in three ways:
Essential
Subcutaneous
Visceral
Essential fat is necessary for a healthy, functional body. Subcutaneous fat makes up most of our bodily fat and is found under the skin. This is the body’s mechanism of storing energy for later use. Visceral fat is found in the abdomen amongst the major organs. It can be very dangerous if found in high levels. A high body fat percentage, and in particular the presence of visceral fat, can increase risk for a number of diseases.The only way to definitively diagnose visceral fat is with a CT or MRI scan. However, these are expensive and time-consuming procedures. An easy way to determine if you are at risk is to measure your waist.According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, if you’re a woman and your waist measures 35 inches or larger, you’re at risk for health problems from visceral fat.Men are at risk for health problems when their waist measures 40 inches or more.
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