ZOE Science & Nutrition Recap: The misunderstood function of fat | Deborah Clegg
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Feb 11, 2025 Deborah Clegg, a leading researcher and Vice President for Research at Texas Tech University, dives into the often-misunderstood role of fat in our bodies. She explains the dual nature of fat cells, likening healthy fat to stretchy spandex and unhealthy fat to cumbersome wool. The discussion also highlights gender differences in fat distribution and offers strategies for mindful eating, particularly for post-menopausal women. Clegg's insights challenge societal norms and promote a healthier understanding of body fat's essential functions.
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Body Fat's Importance
- Body fat stores excess calories and is crucial for energy, especially in women for pregnancy.
- It acts as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones vital for health.
Fat's Complexity
- Fat is not merely an inert storage; it's regulated in complex ways, impacting hormone secretion.
- Not all fat is harmful; healthy fat cells exist, and women possess more of them compared to men.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fat
- Healthy fat cells (like spandex) expand to store calories.
- Unhealthy fat cells (like wool), encased in fibers, cannot expand, diverting calories to unhealthy areas like the liver or heart.
