Fat deposits on the stomach and hips may seem unsightly, but as it turns out, they perform many important functions.
This was proven by Russian researchers who studied the impact of excess fat on the body as part of the program “Climate Change and Health: Assessment, Indicators and Forecasts.”
How fat saves in the heat
Scientists have concluded that the higher the level of fat deposits, the easier it is for the body to cope with heat.
The explanation is simple: fat is a natural insulating material. It prevents the body from freezing in the cold and from overheating due to the sun's rays.
This occurs because adipose tissue has a lower thermal conductivity compared to most other tissues in the body.
When the outside temperature is higher than body temperature, overweight people lose heat more slowly through radiation and convection.
At the same time, in the case of moderate heat stress, an obese person is at greater risk, and the reason for this is the same low thermal conductivity of fat.
The above does not mean that overweight people can walk in the sun without fear: they should also avoid overheating and prolonged exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation.
