underhudsfett

Underhudsfett, or subcutaneous fat, is the adipose tissue located directly beneath the skin. It forms a major store of the body's fat and lies in the subcutaneous layer between the dermis and the underlying muscles and fascia. In humans it is often divided into superficial and deep subcutaneous fat, separated by fascia or connective tissue septa. The term panniculus adiposus is sometimes used to describe adipose tissue in this region.

Functions: Subcutaneous fat serves as an energy reserve, releasing fatty acids when needed; it provides insulation to help regulate body temperature; it cushions underlying tissues and organs; and it acts as an endocrine organ, secreting adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin that influence appetite, metabolism, and inflammation.

Distribution and health aspects: The amount and distribution of underhudsfett vary with age, sex, genetics, and hormones. Women tend to accumulate more subcutaneous fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, while men more often store fat in the abdominal region. Compared with visceral fat around internal organs, subcutaneous fat is less strongly linked to metabolic risk, though excessive amounts can contribute to obesity-related complications. Changes can occur with aging, hormonal changes, or obesity; conditions such as lipedema or lipoatrophy can affect distribution.

Measurement and clinical relevance: Subcutaneous fat can be estimated by skinfold thickness with calipers or assessed with imaging methods such as DEXA, CT, or MRI to distinguish fat compartments. In cosmetic and surgical contexts, the subcutaneous layer is involved in procedures like liposuction and fat grafting, and is also the site where cellulite forms due to structural differences in connective tissue.