Fat distribution differs greatly between men and women; analysis of the health risks associated with obesity.

How is fat distributed in the body?

Research over the past 50 years has shown that the distribution of fat in the body is closely related to human health. There are significant differences in fat distribution between men and women. Men tend to have more fat in the upper body, with higher concentrations in the neck, shoulders, back, and above the navel; this fat tissue is denser and firmer. Women, on the other hand, tend to have more fat in the lower body, with higher concentrations in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and below the navel; this fat tissue is looser and droops more noticeably. Some women also exhibit a male-pattern fat distribution.

Approximately three-quarters of the body's fat is distributed subcutaneously, while the remaining one-quarter is distributed around the internal organs. In the abdomen, men have more fat in the abdominal cavity and relatively less subcutaneous fat, a condition known as visceral obesity. Women have less fat in the abdominal cavity and relatively more subcutaneous fat, a condition known as subcutaneous obesity. Measuring the thickness of skin folds pinched together at different locations using calipers and calculating the ratio of skin fold thickness in different locations revealed a strong positive correlation with hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

Liposuction, as commonly understood, primarily reduces subcutaneous fat in specific areas. Fat located near internal organs cannot be removed. For example, the mesentery can sometimes contain a significant amount of fat, which is difficult to eliminate.

Subcutaneous fat varies in number and thickness depending on its location. Generally, it's more abundant in the torso than the limbs, with the abdomen and buttocks being the most prominent areas, followed by the thighs and back. The upper arms and calves also have considerable fat, while the amount in the face and neck varies from person to person.

Is being overweight bad?

According to a World Health Organization survey of obese individuals, the physical discomfort and psychological abnormalities experienced by obese people constitute precursors to illness, and they can be described as "half-sick."

The warning signs of illness can generally be summarized as follows:

(1) Progressive weight gain, similar to fatigue after bathing;

(2) Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and frequent mistakes;

(3) Nervousness, impulsivity, and anger;

(4) Eye fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty waking up;

(5) Excessive appetite and lack of self-control;

(6) Easily bored at work and difficulty conversing with others;

(7) Feeling weak all over and reluctant to exercise.

If effective measures are not taken in time, the consequences are self-evident. Obese individuals are prone to diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, diabetes, and fatty liver.

Is dieting effective for weight loss?

Dieting for weight loss refers to the practice of restricting food intake to achieve weight loss. It may have some effect in the short term, but there are two consequences: First, the hunger becomes unbearable, making it difficult to maintain, leading to a return to normal eating habits and thus failing to achieve the weight loss goal; second, if continued, it can develop into anorexia nervosa, causing significant harm to both physical and mental health. Excessive dieting can lead to nutritional imbalances, causing symptoms such as general weakness, poor concentration, dry skin, palpitations, irritability, night sweats, and amenorrhea. When it becomes unbearable to continue dieting, binge eating often occurs, with an appetite even greater than before, leading to weight regain. If dieting resumes, this cycle repeats, causing harm to the body.

A small percentage of women develop anorexia nervosa starting with dieting. The main symptoms include: an unfounded belief that one is obese, a strong desire to lose weight, a wish for a thin physique, a fear of "obesity," anorexia, loss of appetite, vomiting after eating, progressive weight loss, severe malnutrition, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.