Wellness
Understanding Subcutaneous Fat
An explainer on subcutaneous fat, the pinchable fat under your skin. Learn why it's a key wellness topic and how it impacts your overall health.
What is it?
Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat stored directly beneath your skin; it's the fat that you can pinch. Constituting around 90% of total body fat, it performs several vital functions. It serves as the body's energy reserve, provides padding to protect muscles and bones, insulates the body to help regulate temperature, and attaches the skin to muscles. This is different from visceral fat, which is stored deeper within the abdominal cavity, surrounding the organs. A certain amount of subcutaneous fat is essential for everyone.
Why is it trending?
The topic is trending due to a greater focus on health and body composition, moving beyond simple weight metrics. As global interest in wellness grows, so does the desire to understand the different types of body fat and their specific health implications. Discussions often revolve around the fact that while some subcutaneous fat is normal and even protective, having too much can be an indicator of higher levels of visceral fat. This has led to increased interest in sustainable methods for managing fat levels, such as targeted diets and aerobic exercise.
How does it affect people?
A healthy amount of subcutaneous fat is necessary, but an excess can pose significant health risks. Too much subcutaneous fat is linked to an increased risk for serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease. It can also contribute to joint pain by increasing the load on knees, hips, and the back. Beyond the physical effects, concerns over excess body fat can also impact mental health, potentially leading to issues with self-esteem and body image.