Fat metabolism: what exactly is it and how does it work?

Fat metabolism is very important for our health. But how does it work and what happens when it gets out of balance?

How does fat metabolism work?

Fat metabolism, also known as lipid metabolism in medical terminology, refers to all metabolic processes that are responsible for the absorption and utilization of fats (lipids). Fat metabolism therefore promotes the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines and the generation of energy in the cells from existing fat reserves. But how exactly does fat metabolism work and what health consequences does a malfunctioning metabolism have? You can find out more about this in this article.

What exactly is metabolism?

Metabolism is a central focus, especially when it comes to healthy body weight management. A well-functioning metabolism is definitely an important lever that each of us can and should use to bring our weight, our own well-being and our health into balance.

Metabolism – known in medical terminology as metabolism – includes all biochemical processes that take place in the organism. However, there is not just one type of metabolism in the body, but rather different types of metabolism, which are named after the substances that are processed as part of these processes:

• Carbohydrate metabolism: This controls the absorption, transport and breakdown of carbohydrates. The most important representative of carbohydrates is glucose (simple sugar).

• Protein metabolism: This metabolism begins in the stomach and ends in the small intestine: Here in the gastrointestinal tract, special enzymes ensure the breakdown of proteins and the release of the resulting amino acids into the bloodstream.

• Mineral metabolism: Here the minerals are processed so that they can fulfil their functions in the organism.

• Anabolism: This so-called building metabolism includes all processes that are responsible for the construction of body tissues, such as new muscle mass or new cell tissue.

• Catabolism: This so-called starvation metabolism refers to the breakdown of metabolic products in order to provide new energy. For example, when on a diet, the organism supplies itself with usable energy. This is provided by the muscles and the nutrients they contain.

• Fat metabolism: Fat metabolism (lipid metabolism) begins with the absorption of fats from food. The small intestine absorbs the fats contained in it and releases them into the blood. The fats then reach the organs that need them via the bloodstream. Finally, the liver - one of the main organs of fat metabolism - converts or breaks down the fats.

Fat as a pure fattening agent? – What functions does fat have in the body?

Along with proteins and carbohydrates, fats are one of the main nutrients (macronutrients) in the diet. As part of a balanced, wholesome diet, these nutrients are of fundamental importance for the body. Fats are an indispensable source of energy, but they also promote many other processes in the body.

Unfortunately, some nutritional myths still persist, such as that fat makes you fat. But that is not the case, on the contrary: the right, valuable fats even support weight loss and improve your health!

Fats perform many important functions in the human body:

• Fats are a component of important body structures such as cell membranes, as well as an important starting material for other biologically active substances.
• Fats provide the organism with important energy.
• Above all, “good fats” supply the body with essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fats are an important flavor carrier in food.
• This major nutrient is also a very important energy store, providing effective protection against body heat loss.
• This main nutrient is a fundamentally important cushioning and supporting element, for example for internal organs such as the kidneys.
• Dietary fats are essential for the body to absorb and utilize fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Not all fat is the same: types and forms of fat

Basically, two types of fat can be distinguished:

1. Structural fat

This fat is very important for your body because it has a protective function. For example, it protects the internal organs of the body from excessive pressure. The structural fat can be found, for example, on the buttocks, under the soles of the feet or on the body joints.

2. Storage fat

The amount of this "deposit fat" must be kept in a balanced level. If the storage fat depots become too large, this can have serious consequences for your health. Storage fat can be found in the subcutaneous tissue, for example on the stomach, but also on the bottom.

Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat

A further distinction can also be made: subcutaneous fat is the so-called subcutaneous fat. Much more dangerous, however, is the so-called visceral fat (belly fat), which surrounds the internal organs such as the liver or intestines. Belly fat is the largest hormonally active organ and is considered a precursor to many dangerous diseases: it constantly releases hormones and dangerous inflammatory substances. This in turn creates a foundation for the development of diseases such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis or diabetes. Belly fat disrupts insulin and blood sugar levels and, due to its inflammatory effect, also causes cholesterol to rise to dangerous levels. The "good" HDL cholesterol gradually decreases, while at the same time the "bad" LDL cholesterol continues to rise. In summary, belly fat promotes a disturbed fat metabolism and dangerous deposits in the blood vessels.

White fat and brown fat – what’s behind them?

The dangerous visceral fat on the stomach is what is known as “white fat”. If there is too much white fat, there is an overproduction of harmful inflammatory substances in the body.

In contrast, there is brown fat tissue, which is of central importance for your fat burning. But white and brown fat tissue differ from each other in more than just their appearance. Brown fat tissue uses significantly more calories than white fat tissue and releases more energy in the process. This gets the metabolism going and the body temperature settles at a comfortable 37 degrees Celsius. The more energy this fat tissue produces, the more white fat is broken down to provide energy. Unfortunately, the amount of this brown fat decreases over the course of life. An incorrect lifestyle also contributes to the reduction of brown fat tissue.

Babies have the largest brown fat deposits! They don't have enough muscle mass to produce valuable heat by shivering. To prevent the small infant body from cooling down, the brown fat tissue is used as a "heating system". We adults only have a few brown fat deposits, mainly along the spine and in the shoulder and neck area.