The Difference between Belly and Thigh Fat

Lisa Franchi January 14, 2013

A new study identified the genetic differences between thigh and belly fat cells. Does knowing the differences matter?Speaking of health, yes it does – the researcher said.

A team of scientists from Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute investigated the genetic differences between belly and thigh fats. Their findings, which were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, revealed that belly fat is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease while thigh fat doesn’t have anything to do with such conditions.

Belly Fat vs. Thigh Part – the Genetic Differences

For their experiment, they took fat samples from men and women to compare the genes that are most active in the belly fat to those most active in thigh fat. In the case of men, 125 genes are expressed differently in the belly than in the thighs. In the case of women, there are 125 genes that are expressed differently in the belly but there are 59 genes in thigh fat that are the same with that in men. The most notable genes in female fats, according to the researchers, are the homeobox genes which are known for helping shape a developing embryo. Most of these genes are influenced by female hormones such as oestrogen.

Dr Steven R. Smith, the lead author, said the homeobox genes have a critical role to play. He believes that these genes tend to programme fat cells in the thighs to respond differently to varying hormones and signals.

The researchers also studied isolated fat cells from thighs and belly. In this condition, the cells aren’t influenced by hormones, nerves and other factors. Despite isolating the cells, the team saw the same location-specific differences in gene activity in both the belly and thigh fat cells. This means that these cells are genetically programmed to their respective locations in the entire development period.

Do the differences matter?

According to Dr Smith, understanding the genetic differences between fat cells is very important. He said that even though many women hate having larger hips and thighs, the fats in these locations are actually helping to reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The study also reminds us of the danger associated with belly fats. Previous studies have shown that belly fats in men and women are linked to serious health problems, such as the ones mentioned in the study. Instead of focusing on eliminating belly fats, the researchers suggest that we tip the balance in favour of the heart-friendly fats in the lower body. They also hope that their findings would finally lead to the development of treatments aimed at specific fat locations in the body, especially those that contribute to obesity.

Dear Readers,

How does this change your view about thigh fat? As a therapist, wat are your thoughts on the findings?

Share your comments below!

Source of this article:

How belly fat differs from thigh fat—and why it matters