Effect of Fat Mass Localization on Fat Oxidation During Endurance Exercise in Women.

Laurie Isacco,Nathalie Boisseau,Gaël Ennequin

doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.585137

Laurie Isacco, Nathalie Boisseau + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.585137

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Abstract

Independent of total body fat mass, predominant upper body fat mass distribution is strongly associated with cardio-metabolic comorbidities. However, the mechanisms underlying fat mass localization are not fully understood. Although a large body of evidence indicates sex-specific fat mass distribution, women are still excluded from many physiological studies and their specific features have been investigated only in few studies. Moreover, endurance exercise is an effective strategy for improving fat oxidation, suggesting that regular endurance exercise could contribute to the management of body composition and metabolic health. However, no firm conclusion has been reached on the effect of fat mass localization on fat oxidation during endurance exercise. By analyzing the available literature, this review wants to determine the effect of fat mass localization on fat oxidation rate during endurance exercise in women, and to identify future research directions to advance our knowledge on this topic. Despite a relatively limited level of evidence, the analyzed studies indicate that fat oxidation during endurance exercise is higher in women with lower upper-to-lower-body fat mass ratio than in women with higher upper-to-lower-body fat mass ratio. Interestingly, obesity may blunt the specific effect of upper and lower body fat mass distribution on fat oxidation observed in women with normal weight during endurance exercise. Studying and understanding the physiological responses of women to exercise are essential to develop appropriate physical activity strategies and ultimately to improve the prevention and treatment of cardio-metabolic diseases.

Highlights

The current global obesity epidemic and related cardio-metabolic comorbidities have resulted in a growing interest in adipose tissue features (Coelho et al, 2013)
Understanding how fat mass localization may influence fat oxidation during acute and chronic endurance exercise is important for identifying the body shape phenotypes in pre- and post-menopausal women that are resistant to fat utilization and are, linked to higher risk of obesity and cardiometabolic complications
Acute Exercise This review focused on studies that compared endurance exercise–induced fat oxidation in women with upper or lower body fat depot phenotypes and an actual lack of consensus is observed

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The current global obesity epidemic and related cardio-metabolic comorbidities have resulted in a growing interest in adipose tissue features (Coelho et al, 2013). VAT, is largely involved in cardiometabolic disorders, while lower body SAT may have an overall protective effect against morbidity/mortality (Smith, 2015; Stefan, 2020) It is not completely clear why fat mass localizes preferentially in the upper or lower part of the body in some people. While endurance exercise is one of the major factors that influence metabolic adaptations and fat metabolism, firm conclusions on the effects of fat mass localization-induced specific metabolic responses during endurance exercise in women remain to be drawn This relationship should be clarified for developing realistic and appropriate training programs to improve women’s health. This review wanted to determine the effect of fat mass localization on fat oxidation during endurance exercise in this specific population

FAT MASS LOCALIZATION AND FAT OXIDATION DURING ENDURANCE EXERCISE IN WOMEN

Premenopausal Women

Swan and

Women with lower

WHR WHR WC

CONCLUSION