1. Adipose Tissue
Function in the Body

2. Why Is It Important?
Energy stores in the form of fat – main role of AT
While carbohydrates are main source of energy in body, fat provides the most energy per gram (9kcal)
Protection – cushion for body/internal organs, muscle fibers, nerves (myelin sheath), blood vessels
Temperature regulation – insulation (reduced heat loss through skin)
Cell membrane structure, vitamin (A,D,E,K) storage and transport, reproductive function, secretion of chemicals controlling appetite

3. Good Fats vs. Bad Fats “Good” fats – reduce risk of heart disease
Monounsaturated: vegetable oils, nuts, avocado,…
Polyunsaturated: omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, soybean oil, fish, flaxseed,…
“Bad” fats – heart disease (atherosclerosis)
Saturated: butter, margarine
Trans: processed, fried, frozen foods

4. Atherosclerosis

5. Cholesterol and its Role in the Body
Cholesterol: lipid produced by liver, consumed in diet
Vital for body function!
Carried in blood by lipoproteins
LDL (“bad” cholesterol): liver  cells – increased risk of CVD/CHD
Increased by consumption of saturated fats and trans fatty acids
HDL (“good” cholesterol): cells  liver – decreased risk of disease
Increased by regular physical activity/exercise
Decreased by consumption of trans fatty acids

6. Age and Maturation With age…  brown AT  overall AT
Puberty – hyperplastic growth
Pregnancy – hyperplastic growth
Slowed metabolism – hypertrophic growth
Changes in AT distribution
Menopausal women -  subcutaneous abdominal fat

7. Gains per Year
Analysis of weight and eating and lifestyle habits of nearly 121,000 men and women – tracked every 4 years over a 20 year time period
Average +3.35lbs/4 years, +17lbs/2 decades
Most unhealthful dietary changes: +4lbs/4 years
Extra serving of chips per day: +1.7lbs/4 years
One more sugar-sweetened beverage a day: +1lb/4 years
Other factors: decreased physical activity, increased alcohol intake, less than six hours of sleep a night or more than eight, increased screen time