Exercise May Improve Fat Storage

Exercise isn’t just for shedding pounds—it can improve the health of your fat, according to recent research.

"Leading a physically active lifestyle and exercising regularly over time makes our fat tissue a more accommodating place for storing extra energy when we gain weight," explained Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, a professor of movement studies at the University of Michigan.

Researchers examined how exercise influences fat tissue by comparing subcutaneous fat from two groups of 16 obese individuals.

One group exercised at least four times a week for a minimum of two years, while the other did not exercise regularly, as stated in the study released Tuesday in the journal Nature Metabolism.

The group with a history of regular exercise had fat cells that displayed features enhancing their fat storage capacity—these included more blood vessels, specific protein compositions, and reduced inflammatory cells, Horowitz noted.

It's crucial for subcutaneous fat to have increased capacity so that, in cases of weight gain, it can accumulate there rather than in more harmful locations like the heart or liver, he added.

"Unfortunately, many of us, including those who exercise regularly, tend to gain weight as we age," Horowitz stated.

"Having an enhanced ability to store excess fat in our fat tissue means less fat will accumulate in our liver, heart, and other areas where it can be problematic."

The study highlights the need for further research on fat tissue and its link to metabolic health and lifestyle changes, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, the director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, who was not involved in the study.

"Being overweight might not be the full story," he remarked.

Enhancing Fat Tissue Quality

People often react negatively to the term "fat," but this reaction isn’t entirely beneficial, Horowitz commented.

"Fat tissue is actually very important for health," he said. "It serves as a key reservoir for our extra energy."

Previously, fat tissue was thought to simply store energy, but researchers are now discovering it has various functions, Freeman noted. "It is logical to have some degree of fat for reserve, but not to the extent seen in the typical American," he added.

The aim isn't to increase fat tissue but to enhance its storage capacity, Horowitz emphasized.

Fat should ideally be stored beneath the skin, and if it can't, it ends up in organs like the liver, heart, or pancreas, which can impede their function, he warned.

Recommendations for Exercise

The main takeaway from the study is that healthier fat storage is yet another reason to maintain an active lifestyle, Horowitz stated.

"We're not changing the recommendation, but expanding the understanding of why exercise is beneficial," he added.

Freeman suggests starting your day with exercise as it acts as a natural stimulant, similar to coffee. There’s no need for a gym membership, he pointed out.

"There are numerous ways to exercise, and the most crucial aspect is finding a way to make it part of your daily routine until it becomes a habit," Freeman advised.

Aim for 30 minutes of vigorous activity daily, but even a walk around the block can be a good start, he said.

"Of course, consult your doctor first to ensure it's safe," Freeman recommended.

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