Body fat is stored in several compartments throughout the body. The two primary areas are under the skin and around internal organs.
Major Fat Storage Locations
According to research, the main storage locations for body fat are:
- Subcutaneous Fat: Located directly under the skin.
- Visceral Fat: Found around the internal organs in the abdominal area.
In addition to these major locations, fat can also accumulate in other areas. This is known as ectopic fat.
Ectopic Fat
Ectopic fat is when fat "overflows" into other tissues, such as:
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Muscles
Summary Table of Body Fat Storage Locations
Location | Description |
---|---|
Subcutaneous | Fat stored directly under the skin. |
Visceral | Fat stored around the internal organs. |
Ectopic | Fat stored in other tissues (liver, pancreas, muscles). |