14/05/2025
1. Fat storage and removal
When the body absorbs food fats, they are broken down into fatty acids and glycerin during digestion. These components go into the blood circulation and are transported throughout the body. Excess fatty acids are synthesized into triglycerides in the liver and fat cells and stored there. If we consume more calories than necessary, the body stores the excess fat in the fat tissue for future energy needs.
Speicherung:
When eating food, the dietary fats in the intestine are digested, and the fatty acids and glycerin enter the blood. They are then transported to fatty tissue, where they are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. This process is regulated by hormones such as insulin, which promotes the absorption and storage of fatty acids and glycerin as triglycerides.
Catabolism (breakdown):
When the body needs energy – for example during sports or fasting – stored fat is mobilized. Hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline activate lipase enzymes in the fat cells, which initiate the breakdown of triglycerides in fatty acids and glycerin.
2. Fatty acid release and transportation
After dissolution, fatty acids are transported through the bloodstream to the liver, muscles and other tissues, where they serve as an energy source. They are accompanied by plasma proteins such as fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and albumin and brought to where they are needed to provide energy.
Muskeln:
During physical activity, muscle cells need increases. Fat is an important source of energy, especially during aerobic exercises. Fatty acids enter the muscle cells and pass through beta oxidation in the mitochondria - this is how they are decomposed to carbon dioxide and water while ATP (the energy unit of the cell) is produced.
Leber:
Fatty acids also enter the liver, where they are oxidized and converted into ketone bodies. These are especially useful during fasting or in low-carbohydrate diets (e.g. B. ketogenic diet) as an alternative source of energy for the brain and other tissues.
3. Beta Oxidation (fatty acid oxidation)
Within the cells, fatty acids enter the mitochondria and are oxidized there - this is the central metabolism process for fat loss. In each oxidation cycle, two carbon atoms are removed and converted to acetyl-CoA. These acetyl-CoA molecules enter the citrate cycle (aka cancer cycle), where ATP is ultimately produced via the respiratory chain. This process forms the heart of fat disposal preparation in the body.
4. Ketone body formation and utilization
During prolonged fasting or on a very low-carbohydrate diet, the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies. These include aceto acetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. Ketones are particularly efficient sources of energy, especially for the brain. Usually, the brain is dependent on glucose, but it can use ketones as an alternative source of energy in phases of hunger or on a keto diet.
5. Regulation of fat metabolism
Metabolic metabolism is regulated by different hormones and enzymes. Among the most important regulators are:
Insulin: the central hormone for fat storage. With high blood sugar levels, insulin levels rise, which promotes fat storage. At the same time, insulin inhibits fat loss (lipolysis) and promotes energy storage in fat cells.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline: These hormones are released during stress, sports or fasting and stimulate fat loss and the release of fatty acids into the blood.
Growth hormone: In addition to its role in growth, it promotes fat loss and the release of fatty acids.
Testosterone and estrogen: These s*x hormones affect fat distribution and fat metabolism. Testosterone promotes fat loss, while estrogen contributes to storing fat – especially in the hips and thighs.
