Exercise Could Promote Healthier Fat, Not Just Weight Loss
A groundbreaking study from the University of Michigan suggests that regular exercise may help people store fat more healthily, not just shed it. Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, professor of movement studies at the university’s school of kinesiology, and his team found that physical activity over time can make fat tissue a safer place to store excess energy, especially for those who gain weight as they age.
“Living a physically active lifestyle, exercising regularly over time, makes our fat tissue a more accommodating place for extra energy under conditions when we do gain weight,” said Dr. Horowitz, the study’s senior author.
The Impact of Exercise on Fat Cells
The study, published in Nature Metabolism, compared fat tissue from two groups of people with obesity: one group exercised regularly for at least two years, and the other did not. The researchers discovered significant differences between the two groups.
Fat cells from those who exercised regularly showed characteristics that allowed them to store more fat safely. This included having a higher number of blood vessels, beneficial proteins, and fewer inflammatory cells. This means that their fat tissue was better equipped to store fat under the skin rather than in more dangerous areas such as the liver or heart.
Why Healthier Fat Storage Matters
Fat tissue under the skin plays an essential role in health, explained Dr. Horowitz. “If we have a greater capacity to store [fat] in our fat tissue, less of it’ll go to our liver, less of it will go to our heart, less will go to all these other places that in excess can be really problematic.”
As people age, even those who exercise regularly are likely to gain weight. Having healthier fat tissue can prevent fat from being stored in organs where it can disrupt their function, contributing to metabolic diseases.
Rethinking Fat: Not All Fat is Bad
Although fat is often seen in a negative light, Dr. Horowitz emphasised its importance for overall health. “Fat tissue itself is very, very important for health. It’s actually an important reservoir of our extra energy.”
Rather than focus on reducing fat, the study suggests the goal should be to improve the capacity of fat tissue to store it safely. Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, noted that researchers are beginning to understand the many roles fat tissue plays in the body beyond just storing energy. He added, “It makes sense to have some degree of fat so you have some reserve, but not to the point that the typical American has.”
How to Boost Healthier Fat Storage with Exercise
While this study sheds new light on the connection between fat and exercise, the takeaway remains clear: staying physically active is vital for long-term health. “We’re not changing the recommendation, but we’re expanding the understanding of why it is helpful to exercise,” said Dr. Horowitz.
For those looking to get started, Freeman suggested trying exercise first thing in the morning. “It works as a natural stimulant, just as well as coffee in many cases,” he said. Importantly, you don’t need a gym membership to get moving.
“There are so many ways to exercise,” Freeman said. “Figuring out a way to make it part of the daily routine so it becomes a habit is the most critical of all.”
Start Small, Aim Big
According to experts, 30 minutes of vigorous, breathless activity a day should be the goal, but even starting with a simple walk around the block can make a difference. Freeman recommends consulting with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine to ensure it’s safe for you.
This study adds another compelling reason to get moving—exercise not only helps you burn fat but may also make your body better at storing it in a healthier way.
