Scarred fat tissue major health risk

THE fat of obese people becomes distressed, scarred and inflamed, which can make weight loss more difficult, a new study suggests.

An analysis of the health of fat tissue in overweight people found their fat can cease to cope as it increases in size and becomes suffocated by its own expansion.

Medics at the University of Exeter examined samples from patients, including those with weight problems who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Dr Katarina Kos found fibrous fat tissue is also stiffer and more rigid and increased levels of scarring can make it harder for overweight people to keep their weight down.

“Scarring of fat tissue may make weight loss more difficult,” she said.

Although such people can appear relatively slim, fat can be deposited in the abdomen and in internal organs.

“One could have very little fat below the skin and still be at risk of diabetes due to a lot of fat within the abdomen and inner organs,” Dr Kos continued.

“There is evidence that once fat tissue becomes scarred, despite weight loss, it may not recover fully. We need to look after our fat tissue which can cease to cope if it is overworked when being forced to absorb more calories.

“As a clinician, I would advise exercise or at least a ‘walk’ after a meal, which can make a great difference to our metabolic health.”