Fat in health and diseaseSummary of main points. • Fat has a variety of functions, but the most important is as an energy reserve. A minimum level of body fat is essential for this purpose. • Excessive body fat can have disease implications. • The health implications of obesity are determined by total fat and fat distribution. • Visceral fat, or fat stored around the organs of the trunk, is the most dangerous to health. • Abdominal fat, or a ‘pot belly’, is the most visible indication of visceral fat. • Diabetes, heart disease, gallstones and some cancers are the main diseases associated with excessive abdominal fatness. Functions of fat in the body. • Energy reserve (i.e. 1g of fat = 9kcal of energy). • Protection of the vital organs (e.g. stomach, kidneys, liver etc). • Heat insulation. • Transport medium for fat-soluble vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamins D, E and K). • Formation of hormones (e.g. cholesterol). • Structure of cell membranes (cholesterol and phospholipids). *12\186\4* «Cheap Tramadol Without Prescription» |
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