Facts about white and brown fat

The type of fat we carry is also very important. There are two main types of adipocytes (fat cells): white and brown. The difference between the two is what the color means at the cellular and metabolic level. The presence of beige adipocytes implies a "browning" effect and the possibility of changes in cellular function (cellular plasticity).

White adipocytes have a lower metabolic performance, have difficulty accessing energy sources, and are more harmful to the human body in the long term. In contrast, brown adipocytes are more metabolically active, have easier access to energy sources, and can withstand extreme cold.

"White adipocytes store lipids to be released as free fatty acids when fasting; brown adipocytes burn glucose and lipids to maintain thermal balance".

Beige fat appears when white adipocytes become more like brown adipocytes - this browning effect has been shown to occur after exercise. We have known for some time that exercise prompts a faster metabolism, even beyond the calories burned by the exercise itself. Part of the mechanism behind this is thought to be the enhancement of brown (metabolically active) adipocytes and the "browning" of white cells.

"...profound changes in white adipose tissue that occur during exercise training may be part of the mechanism by which exercise improves whole-body metabolic health..."

Not surprisingly, research in this area is now beginning to shed light on underlying obesity and ddiabetes issues.