Scientists talked about the hidden role of adipose tissue in health

Adipose tissue is a full-fledged organ that actively regulates metabolism, the immune system, mood and reproductive functions. Scientists have noted that fat plays the role of a communication tissue: it transmits signals to the brain, controls appetite and energy levels, supports bone health and participates in the immune system. This was reported in the New Scientist edition.

There are several types of fat: white, brown, beige and pink. White fat stores energy and protects internal organs, brown fat burns calories and supports thermoregulation, beige can turn into brown, and pink fat in women's breasts is involved in lactation.

As specified in the material, adipose tissue secretes many hormones and signaling molecules known as adipokines, and nerve fibers inside the fat provide fast two-way communication with the brain. Immune cells are also involved in communication by transmitting signals about inflammation and damage.

However, not all fat is equally beneficial. Excess visceral fat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, as well as negatively affecting the brain and bones. The accumulation of fat in the bone marrow and around the internal organs can increase inflammation and accelerate the destruction of bone tissue.

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However, an adequate level of adipose tissue is essential for health. Liposuction studies have shown that fat removal in some areas can lead to an increase in visceral fat and a deterioration in the metabolic state. Moreover, some obese people remain metabolically healthy due to fewer inflammatory cells and more efficient functioning of adipokines.

Scientists have considered the prospect of "reprogramming" adipose tissue to improve its functionality without dramatic weight loss. This can help reduce the risk of disease and maintain hormonal balance, even without significant weight loss. As a result, adipose tissue ceases to be the enemy of the body.

A recent study has shown that even moderate physical activity can slow down the development of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have been monitoring almost 300 elderly people with early signs of the disease for 9-11 years and found that physical activity does not reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brain, but reduces the accumulation of tau proteins associated with memory and cognitive impairment. In the more active participants, these signs were reduced by half.

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