fettinnlagring

Fettinnlagring, commonly translated as fat deposition, refers to the accumulation of fat tissue within the body. The process is driven by an energy imbalance in which intake of calories exceeds energy expenditure, leading adipocytes to store excess energy as triglycerides. In humans, excess fat can accumulate subcutaneously, under the skin, or viscerally, surrounding internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Visceral fat is particularly associated with metabolic disorders.

The regulation of fat deposition involves complex hormonal signals. Insulin promotes storage by stimulating lipogenesis and inhibiting lipolysis. Adipose tissue also produces adipokines like leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, which influence appetite, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. The distribution of fat differs between ethnicities, sexes, and age groups, influenced by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Excessive fettinnlagring leads to obesity, defined by a body mass index above 30, though BMI does not differentiate fat and muscle. Clinical measures such as waist circumference and imaging techniques (MRI, CT) provide better estimates of visceral fat. High fat deposition is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and reduced life expectancy.

Management strategies combine dietary caloric restriction, increased physical activity, and behavioral interventions. Pharmacotherapies, including GLP‑1 receptor agonists, can reduce appetite and improve weight loss. In extreme cases, bariatric surgery—such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass—offers significant and sustained reductions in fat stores. Preventive public health measures emphasize balanced nutrition and regular exercise to maintain healthy body composition and mitigate the risks associated with excess fat accumulation.