Why belly fat is more harmful than hip fat
Comparison of gene transcription between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in Chinese adults.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists compared genes turned on in fat from the belly (visceral) versus fat under the skin (subcutaneous) in 30 Chinese adults. They found that belly fat in obese people has more inflammation-related genes active, which may explain why storing fat in the belly causes more health problems.
Surprising Findings
Leptin is LOWER in visceral fat, not higher
Common understanding is that more body fat = more leptin production. But this study shows visceral fat actually produces LESS leptin than subcutaneous fat in both lean and obese people, which may confuse the body's hunger/satiety signals.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on reducing overall body weight, especially if you carry weight in your midsection
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists compared genes turned on in fat from the belly (visceral) versus fat under the skin (subcutaneous) in 30 Chinese adults. They found that belly fat in obese people has more inflammation-related genes active, which may explain why storing fat in the belly causes more health problems.
Surprising Findings
Leptin is LOWER in visceral fat, not higher
Common understanding is that more body fat = more leptin production. But this study shows visceral fat actually produces LESS leptin than subcutaneous fat in both lean and obese people, which may confuse the body's hunger/satiety signals.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on reducing overall body weight, especially if you carry weight in your midsection
Publication
Journal
Endocrine journal
Year
2009
Authors
J. M. Zha, W. Di, Ting Zhu, Yu-chun Xie, Jing Yu, Juan Liu, Peng Chen, G. Ding
Related Content
Claims (7)
Fat cells found deeper in the belly (visceral) have more cortisol receptors than fat cells under the skin (subcutaneous), so they respond more strongly to the stress hormone cortisol by taking in more fat and growing faster.
In Chinese adults, the gene that makes the hunger-controlling hormone leptin is less active in fat stored around the organs inside the belly compared to fat stored under the skin, whether someone is lean or obese.
In people with obesity from China, the genes that make a specific inflammatory marker called TNF-alpha are more active in the fat around the organs inside the belly than in the fat under the skin.
In adults with obesity from China, a gene called TLR4 that helps control inflammation is more active in fat stored deep inside the belly around organs than in fat found just under the skin.
In Chinese adults, people with higher levels of a specific enzyme (11beta-HSD1) in their belly fat tend to also have higher body weight, as measured by BMI.