Women's Fat-Burning Advantage May Protect Against Diabetes: Study Finds
Advertisement
A new study published in Nature Metabolism by researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institutet suggests that women may be biologically better protected against metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, thanks to a more efficient fat-burning process known as lipolysis. Despite generally having higher body fat percentages than men, women appear less prone to developing obesity-related illnesses—a difference the study attributes to how their fat cells break down stored lipids during stress or exercise.
The research focused on the behavior of abdominal subcutaneous fat cells, examining how they respond to catecholamines—hormones that stimulate fat breakdown. While women’s fat cells were found to be less sensitive to these hormones initially, once lipolysis was activated, the rate at which fat was processed was significantly faster compared to male fat cells.
This more dynamic fat metabolism may explain why women, despite higher fat mass, are less likely than men to suffer from insulin resistance and other metabolic complications.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.