Fat distribution and metabolism

It is well known that adipose tissue distribution is an important factor in volved in the etiology of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Adip ose tissue distribution is obviously different between men and women, men b eing prone to accumulate their excess of energy in the abdominal region, mo re specifically in the intraabdominal depot (visceral) whereas women show a selective deposition of adipose tissue in the gluteo-femoral region. Sever al studies have demonstrated an association between age and adipose tissue distribution and a selective deposition of visceral adipose tissue has been reported with age, in both men and women. In this regard, the menopause tr ansition also appears to he a factor associated with an accelerated accumul ation of abdominal adipose tissue. This increase in visceral adipose tissue has been suggested to play a significant role in the etiology of metabolic complications increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular di seases. However, a selective mobilization of visceral adipose tissue in res ponse to a weight loss program has been noted among viscerally obese patien ts, this reduction in visceral adipose tissue being associated with improve ments in the lipoprotein-lipid profile and insulin sensitivity. Thus, the d istribution of adipose tissue is an important factor to take into account i n the evaluation of the patient. Furthermore, the amount of abdominal adipo se tissue should also be considered as an important therapeutic target for the optimal management of cardiovascular disease risk.