• Belly fat

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    Belly fat, or visceral fat, is a significant health concern because it's linked to various metabolic issues. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which requires a larger amount (like ten kilos) before it starts to cause problems, only about five pounds of visceral fat is needed to begin affecting metabolic health. This is partly because visceral fat drains directly into the portal vein, leading to the liver, which processes cytokines released during fat breakdown 1.

    also discusses the roles of different fat types in the body. We have white fat, brown fat, and beige fat. White fat is primarily for energy storage, while brown fat is rich in mitochondria and helps burn energy efficiently, acting as a metabolic "furnace" 2. Brown fat can be activated and increased through exposure to cold, which enhances the body's energy-burning capacity. This cold exposure also helps convert beige fat into brown fat 2.

    Moreover, maintaining healthy levels of brown fat is essential, as there's a noted decrease in brown fat with age associated with increased obesity. Physical activity, especially outdoor work, helps maintain brown fat levels and insulin sensitivity, reducing obesity risk as people age 3.

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