How Does Body Fat Relate To Your Health? By Gary Holdon At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Body fat is a part of the body that seems to interest almost everybody. For some, it is a topic of humor. For others, it is an obsession. Fat is part of everyone's anatomy, but takes on a higher level of significance to certain people. The following is a brief discussion of questions and answers about body fat. We will try to describe what body fat is, why we have it, and how it can affect our bodies, both positively and negatively.

I'm not so sure that I know what body fat actually is. Can you give me an accurate definition?

Body fat is nothing more than extremely loose tissue made up of adiposities, and it is a connective tissue. Body fat's main role is to store energy. It can also cushion and insulate the body. Two main types of fat exist in mammals. One is white adipose tissue and the other is brown adipose tissue. Fatty tissue is usually located beneath the skin, but fat can also surround internal organs to provide adequate padding. The resourcefulness of body fat is exemplified by the fact that it can also provide high levels of nutrients to the body. It is helpful to think of it as an important reserve of nutrients often used by the body.

How much body fat is too much?

This is the million-dollar question. If you know that you are supposed to have at least some body fat, when is it too much? When have you crossed the line from a healthy level of fat that protects you and gives you energy to a level that is unhealthy and capable of causing great damage to your body? Most physicians and health experts agree that men ought to have a body fat level lower than 18%. For women, the percent increases to 23%. If you are above these numbers, though, there is no need to panic. Unless you are a man with a 35% body fat level or a woman with a 40% body fat level, it is OK to go over the respective norms. Once the percents go as high as the thirties, though, you are asking for trouble. The best way to determine your percent of body fat? A pair of calipers will do the job.

Can I sweat off body fat simply by sitting in a steam room or sauna?

Many people think that they benefit by ridding their bodies of weight. They say things like "If I could lose 10 pounds by the summer…" The problem with this goal is that weight and unwanted body fat is not the same thing. You want to lose excess fat - not weight! Weight can come in any form - muscle, water, or fat. Fat, on the other hand, is simply nothing more than fat. So, when you sit in a sauna for an hour, remember that you are not losing weight; you are losing water through sweat. As soon as you exit the sauna and get a drink of water, you will be replacing the water. Fat is tougher to lose. As much as people do not want to hear it, the only way to reduce your body's level of fat is to exercise while eating fewer bad calories.

What role does genetics play in a person's level of body fat?

Unfortunately, those who struggle to keep off high levels of body fat are sometimes genetically inclined to do so. Research has shown a definitive correlation between cases of excess body fat and family members who share the same problem. The simple truth is that if your parents or grandparents were obese or even larger than they should have been, you are more likely to have issues regarding fat. Even more surprisingly, appetite seems to be genetically determined. What we eat and how much we eat is often similar to the diets of our family members. One additional factor affected by genetics is the body's ability to metabolize food. This affects how our body responds to fatty foods. While it is true that genetics matter, they should not be an excuse for neglecting responsibility when it comes to one's health.

What else do I need to know about food and body fat?

Food is the only source of energy your body has. If you think of it that way, you will realize how important it is to eat the right foods and exercise on a consistent basis. Food filled with carbohydrates is your main energy source. Simply put, if you happen to take in more energy than you need or use, your body will have no choice but to store it as fat. Your best source of fat comes from foods like fish, vegetables, and nuts. Additionally, your body must have protein to help fuel the fat-burning process. This protein comes from valuable sources such as eggs, meat, and poultry. As you can see, your body's fat and your overall health are greatly affected by every single thing you ingest. Knowing this should inspire you to eat better.

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