Of the two types of body fat, subcutaneous, meaning under the skin, is the easiest to get rid of but also the most visible. From a woman’s perspective, not only are we prone to subcutaneous fat around the thighs, buttock and hips, we also have to battle visceral fat in the abdominal area. Visceral fat, considerably harder to get rid of, is easier to hide as it is tucked around organs in the peritoneal cavity, but also carries much greater health risks. Subcutaneous fat serves as a cushion of sorts for our bodies, as well as an energy storehouse. Therefore, the body requires a certain amount of fat to run properly. The problem we commonly run into is an over-accumulation of fatty tissue that becomes unsightly and a health hazard.
The thoughts of cottage cheese and dimpled skin plagues those with and over-abundance of subcutaneous fat. Not only that, the skin shows evidence of scarring, or stretch marks, when too much pressure is expended to contain the fatty tissues. Skin has a normal elasticity component, but like when a pregnant woman develops stretch marks in the abdomen, a body carrying too much fat can react the same way. This especially happens when skin is stretched too far, too fast.
Liposuction and fat transfer (moving fatty tissue from one area of the body to another) are common procedures to rid excess fat, however there are risks associated with any procedure. The best way to get control of your health and body is by improving your diet and engaging in regular exercise. Keep in mind, you cannot eliminate fat cells by healthier eating and a regular exercise regimen, but you can dramatically reduce the size of the fat cells. Aerobic exercise is a great way to slim the body and create more energy.
Weight loss occurs when the caloric intake is less than what is expended. Because subcutaneous fat is an energy storage, this is the energy that is going to be used first of the fatty tissues (subcutaneous vs. visceral). Diet alone will decrease weight, however greater loss is obviously achieved when diet is used in combination with an appropriate exercise program.
The argument stands that some fat is good, but you can definitely have too much of a good thing when fatty tissue is the debate. Slim figures still have fat, and it’s a good thing. Overweight individuals, no matter the sex, should definitely consider revamping dietary intake and sedentary lifestyles in terms of overall health and vitality. Our culture today is obsessed with picture perfect bodies. Using that to fuel a weight loss goal isn’t the best idea and can result in more damaging results than good. The ultimate goal should be to strive for a nutritionally balanced diet and routine exercise for a healthier you! Half the battle is in finding the right diet that will work for you. Add in physical activity you actually enjoy and you will be, feel and love the health-conscious difference you’ve made in your life!
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