White fat

Looks like

Tissue made of large round cells, each filled by a single droplet of fat; found under the skin and around the organs.

What it does

Stores energy, insulates and cushions, and releases hormones that steer appetite and metabolism.

Keeping it well

Fat around the waist and organs raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease more than fat on the hips; activity and diet reduce it.

Related conditions

• Obesity