Body Composition and Gender Specificity in Body Fat Distribution and hormones.
Extensive evidence indicates that gender-specific differences in biochemistry and physiology are influenced not only by exposure to cyclical hormonal patterns but also by inherent biological factors. In terms of body composition, while the average body fat percentage is similar between males (12%) and females (15%), the latter have four times the total adipose tissue volume compared to males, accounting for 12% versus 4% of the total body weight. This essential adipose tissue (Essential Fat, EF) is vital for pregnancy and hormonal functions, ensuring the optimal physiological functioning. A marked reduction in EF, resulting from extreme dietary regimens or intense physical activity, can significantly risk overall health status. In females, EF also encompasses “sex-specific fat”, representing about 5–9% of the total body fat and localizing in the breast, genital regions, lower body subcutaneous tissue, and intramuscular deposits. In addition to the total body fat mass, a significant difference is evident in the distribution of body fat deposits between males (abdominal or “apple-shaped”) and females (gluteofemoral or “pear-shaped”). In males, the abdominal fat tissue tends to accumulate more in the visceral area compared to females, and, with an equivalent fat mass, males typically have about twice the visceral fat accumulation than females. These differences reflect variations in the endocrine status, including estrogen, androgens, the growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which emerge from the prepubertal phase onwards. The extent of sexual differences intensifies with maturation, particularly from late puberty to early adulthood, as males develop a more android body shape and females a more gynoid one. This clearly underscores the influence of sexual hormones.
And that food intake restrictions will not be great idea because hoping that existing fat will be utilized and it will be utilized only from part one wishes make no sense. It might use fat from all the wrong place and starve basic functionality of body’s need. In simple words wishful thinking is not necessarily the right thinking.
Obesity and Hormonal imbalance.
Adipose is the primary energy storage site in the body, in the form of neutral triglycerides. It is also an endocrine organ that secretes various cytokines, chemokines, and hormonal factors, or adipokines, that regulate diverse processes including feeding behavior and immunity. To date, more than 600 adipokines have been identified, not including fatty acids and other metabolites. And as explained in earlier note for health purpose visceral fat is of concern.
White adipose tissue (WAT) is organized into several depots in the body, including under the skin (subcutaneous), within the abdominal cavity (visceral), and in other small depots within most organs. Up to 10–20% of adipose is visceral in men and 5–8% in women. Multiple physiological differences exist between subcutaneous and visceral WAT; adipocytes from visceral WAT are more insulin resistant, metabolically active, and have greater lipolytic activity.
White adipose tissue (WAT) is organized into several depots in the body, including under the skin (subcutaneous), within the abdominal cavity (visceral), and in other small depots within most organs. Up to 10–20% of adipose is visceral in men and 5–8% in women. Multiple physiological differences exist between subcutaneous and visceral WAT; adipocytes from visceral WAT are more insulin resistant, metabolically active, and have greater lipolytic activity.
Obesity is associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, which lead to changes in endocrine regulation in men, primarily through the secretion of adipokines. These physiological changes detrimentally impact the male reproductive endocrine system, primarily via the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal (HPG) axis.
The principle hormones involved.
Leptin resistance
Fat cells release a hormone known as leptin. This hormone plays an important role Source in weight regulation, creating a sensation of fullness. This prompts a person to stop eating.
When signaling between leptin and the brain works as it should, it helps people know when they have had enough to eat.
However, people with obesity have more fat cells and, therefore, high levels of leptin. In theory, this should mean the person feels full frequently, but if signaling stops working properly, a person can develop leptin resistance. This means the brain does not respond to the hormone as it should.
Doctors do not fully understand what causes leptin resistance.
Cortisol. Cortisol, the primary glucocorticoid in humans, is intricately involved in the stress response and various physiological processes. Its implications for the abdominal fat accumulation and increased appetite are noteworthy. Recent studies highlight the significant associations between obesity and long-term cortisol levels, measured in scalp hair, across diverse age groups. The chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoid levels can lead to abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In males, chronic stress and heightened cortisol levels correlate with visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome. Elevated cortisol levels in men with obesity, often influenced by stress, signify hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation
Underactive thyroid
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that releases hormones that help control metabolism, which is how the body uses energy. As a result, these hormones affect weight gain and loss.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. When this happens, many of the body’s functions slow down.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the buildup of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.
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