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September 10, 2024 – Regular exercise over a prolonged period of time may not only help people lose weight but also result in healthier fat tissue, particularly around the belly, according to new research published in Nature Metabolism.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, found that overweight or obese individuals who engaged in consistent exercise for at least two years developed belly fat with structural and biological differences compared to their sedentary counterparts. These differences were associated with a reduced risk of inflammation and metabolic disturbances, suggesting that exercise could lead to more favorable fat storage patterns.
“Exercising regularly for several months to years appears to modify fat tissue, allowing it to store body fat more healthfully when weight gain does occur – something that happens to almost all of us as we age,” said Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, PhD, lead researcher and professor of movement science at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology.
Small Study, Big Implications
The study involved 32 adults with obesity or overweight, with half of the participants identified as regular exercisers. These participants exercised at least four times per week for a minimum of two years. The researchers matched individuals based on factors like gender, weight, and body fat mass, with participants ranging in age from 25 to 37 years old. The average body mass index (BMI) in both groups was around 30, a value marking the threshold for obesity.
Fat tissue samples were collected from just under the skin of participants’ abdomens. The researchers found significant differences in the fat tissue of the exercise group compared to the sedentary group. Specifically, the exercisers’ fat tissue had more blood vessels, beneficial proteins, and fewer markers of inflammation. Additionally, the tissue exhibited less of a type of collagen that is known to interfere with normal metabolic processes.
Subcutaneous Fat vs. Visceral Fat
The study’s findings highlight the importance of where fat is stored in the body. Fat stored just beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, is considered less harmful than visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke.
The exercise group demonstrated a greater ability to store fat in subcutaneous tissue, potentially reducing the accumulation of more dangerous visceral fat. “If or when people experience weight gain, this excess fat will be stored more healthfully under the skin, rather than in the fat tissue around their organs or within the organs themselves, like the liver or heart,” Horowitz explained.
The Benefits of Long-Term Exercise
This study sheds new light on the long-term benefits of regular exercise for those with overweight or obesity. While weight loss is often the focus of fitness routines, this research suggests that even if weight is gained over time, regular exercise could help ensure that fat is stored in healthier ways, lowering the risk of obesity-related diseases.
Though the study was small, it provides valuable insight into how exercise influences fat distribution and function, particularly as people age and face challenges in maintaining their weight.
For those looking to improve their health, the findings reinforce the importance of incorporating long-term, consistent exercise into their lifestyles – not just for weight loss but also for overall metabolic health.
