Human Fat – Good or Bad for You?

The Science of Human Fat

Let’s begin with a simple question on human fat: During the process of losing weight, where does it go?

Human fat is commonly misconceived. Those in the dieting world vaguely understand the concept of losing weight. They don’t take the time to further explain what happens during the weight loss process.

At the very beginning of the concept of losing weight is a molecule of human fat. The chemical formula for an average molecule of human fat is C₅₅H₁₀₄O₆. Human fat can be stored in three different places: in the muscles, in the liver, and and in fat cells. Glycogen is the molecule that is stored in the muscles and the liver. Triglyceride is the molecule that is stored in fat cells.

Understanding Glycogen and Triglyceride

Glycogen is essentially a bunch of glucose molecules bonded together by an enzyme. Insulin, which is typically associated with diabetes, is a hormone that is produced and secreted by the liver to turn excess glucose in the blood into glycogen, which is then stored as fat. Glycogen provides the body with a readily available source of energy when blood glucose levels fall.

Triglyceride is not actually derived from glucose, but is instead formed from fatty acids. Since Triglycerides cannot be converted to usable glucose by a single enzyme, they are not as readily available as an energy source when compared to glycogen. Instead, Triglycerides must be broken down through a complex series of reactions called, ‘gluconeogenesis’.

Misconception With Metabolism and Human Fat

Metabolism may be a misconception by those seeking to diet or lose weight. The chemical formula for metabolism is:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ ⇒ CO₂ + H₂O + (energy)

This equation is simple, and understanding it is equally as easy. Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) reacts with Oxygen (O₂) when we breathe in, to form Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Water (H₂O).

Put simply, metabolism is the reaction of glucose (stored as fat) and oxygen to give our bodies energy, and release the components of fat by breathing out carbon dioxide, as well as water through our urine and sweat.

Better Understanding = More Incentive

Weight loss is a surprisingly simple concept. When you understand the science behind it, losing weight becomes more realistic and there is more incentive to do so.