Skip to main content

The Fat Cell Explained


Have you ever wondered what exactly is happening inside your body when you gain and lose fat? Obviously, the fat cell is the central player in the body image game. So what gives?

To explain; Body fat is made up of millions of tiny fat cells, each one a spherical sac filled with a droplet of oil.

When a person gains body fat, individual fat cells fill up with more fat and increase in size. Likewise, when a person loses body fat, the fat cells release fat and decrease in size. Ultimately, the size of your fat cells is relative to the balance of calorie intake (what you eat) and output (your activity level).

A diet high in fat supplies your fat cells with the means they need to grow bigger. Once digested, fat is carried through the bloodstream where it is gobbled up by fat cells. Fat molecules are absorbed from the blood and stored in these fat cells.

Although fat can enter fat cells more easily than carbohydrates, it is important to note that simple carbohydrates, such as refined flour, processed cereals, sugars, sweets and fruit juices elevate blood glucose and insulin levels. This also stimulates fat storage.

To get fat out of the cell, fat molecules must be released back into the bloodstream and used as fuel. Regular aerobic exercise and a low-fat diet are the best ways to trigger the release of stored fat.

The importance of physical activity cannot be stressed enough if you want to lose body fat and become lean. Aerobic exercise performed daily for 30 minutes or more stimulates fat metabolism. It is consistent exercise that teaches your body how to be an efficient fat burner rather than fat storer.

Additionally, a low-fat diet will also help by inhibiting your body’s fat storage by giving its fat cells less opportunity to grab fat from the bloodstream.    

As always – Live Your Life Well,

John Aaron Villarreal
johnaaron-massage.com

Facebook / Twitter



The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose,
cure, treat or prevent disease. Please consult your physician
prior to starting any exercise or diet program.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What To Do When You’re Chronically Stressed

Of all the modern-day ailments that seem to affect us, none is more pervasive than stress. Everywhere you turn, there are factors lurking to redirect you from your peaceful pursuit of happiness and lock you in the clutches of “stress.” What exactly is stress—and what more insidious effects does it cause? The dictionary defines stress as “great pressure or force; strain.” In today’s world, we think of stress as the result of too much pressure laid upon us by life, causing mental worry or anguish. This, in turn, manifests itself in tight neck and shoulders, headaches, nervous stomach, etc. But these physical and mental conditions are really only the beginning. Studies show that stressful situations can develop into more threatening health conditions. For instance: A sudden or unexpected stressor can activate your adrenal glands, which sends adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This brings about an increase in your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood f...

What to Do If You’ve Got High Cholesterol

As I've gotten older I've realized that takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor off your back. If you've got high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, the good doc is going to pester you about it—apple or not (and he should!). But don’t blame him - he’s trying to save your life. According to the American Heart Association, 105.2 million adults have borderline to high risk blood cholesterol levels. In addition, nearly one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure and these numbers grow every year. Even more frightening; 82% of those at high risk are unaware of their condition. Could you be one of them? Whether you've had your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked lately or not, these conditions are deadly and sneaky—many people are unaware of the danger lurking in their own arteries. In fact, many firmly believe that what you don’t know can’t hurt you… They’re dead wrong. What’s so bad about high blood pressure and cholesterol levels...

Ingredients That can Sabotage Your Waistline and Health

It can never stressed enough how important it is that we know exactly what we are eating. With today’s marketing it is so easy to want to what the labels and brightly colored packages of convenience foods say to us, but approach with caution. While a packaged meal may be advertised as healthy, it’s up to you to find out if it really is before you simply buy into a few good words that may or may not be true. People get very excited when they see that convenience foods are labeled as “healthy” or “low-fat,” (I’ve been guilty about this, too) but some minor research needs to be done before indulging. The following are 3 ingredients that I recommend be avoided as much as possible. Trans-fats Trans-fats are found in so many foods that you probably eat on a regular basis. Trans-fats can be found in baked goods, microwave popcorn, fast foods, and frozen foods. These items are all convenient, but they’re not worth risking your health for. Trans-fats can cause an increase in bad choleste...