Excess fat is stored in the body in different compartments. Here's a breakdown:
Main Fat Storage Compartments
The body has specific areas designed to store fat when we consume more calories than we burn. According to the provided reference, here's how it works:
- Subcutaneous Fat: This is fat stored directly under the skin. It's the kind you can pinch.
- Visceral Fat (Abdominal Fat): This fat is stored around internal organs in the abdominal area. It is often considered more dangerous to your health than subcutaneous fat.
Ectopic Fat
Sometimes, when the body's primary storage is overwhelmed, fat can end up in places it shouldn't be. This is called ectopic fat storage:
- Ectopic Fat: This occurs when fat "overflows" into other tissues, such as the liver, pancreas, and muscles.
Summary of Fat Storage
| Type of Fat Storage | Location |
|---|---|
| Subcutaneous | Under the skin |
| Visceral (Abdominal) | Around internal organs |
| Ectopic | Liver, pancreas, and muscles |
