Introduction

Question 1

What percentage of body weight is fat in a lean healthy man?

Answer 1

About 16%.

Question 2

In severe obesity, fat can make up what percentage of body weight?

Answer 2

Up to 70% (around 57 kg), mostly in adipocytes.

Question 3

Besides providing energy, what are two vital roles of fats?

Answer 3

Building cell structures and supporting hormone production.

Question 4

How have farming and food processing changed our fat intake?

Answer 4

They introduced more trans fats and vegetable oils into diets.

Question 5

Who linked saturated fat to heart disease in the 1950s?

Answer 5

Ancel Keys.

Question 6

What did the American Heart Association recommend regarding fats?

Answer 6

A diet low in fat and cholesterol, high in grains, and using seed oils instead of animal fats.

Question 7

What major pharmaceutical product became widespread due to cholesterol concerns?

Answer 7

Statins.

Question 8

Is white adipose tissue (WAT) just passive fat storage?

Answer 8

No, it’s a metabolically-active endocrine tissue.

Question 9

List four functions of white adipose tissue (WAT).

Answer 9

Secretes hormones, growth factors, enzymes, cytokines
Protects organs
Stores energy
Insulates against temperature extremes