Adipose tissue and metabolic effects: new insight into measurements

Epidemiologic evidence supports the theory that the relation between obesity and disease risk begins early in life, and those risk factors for disease track, or remain at a similar level, with advancing age, growth, and development. The fat tissue, once considered as a depot for energy substrate, is a metabolically active tissue. The fat cells produce agents that regulate a host of physiological processes directly related to carbohydrate and fat metabolism and the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. AIM: To discuss fat tissue, and fat distribution in relation to body composition measurements, with particular emphasis on imaging techniques (ie, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and its relationship with metabolic and cardiovascular heath variables mediated by the metabolic characteristics of the adipose tissue. DISCUSSION: In sum, the medical and physiological health complications of childhood obesity are well documented. Imaging methods are considered the most accurate means available for in vivo quantification at the tissue-organ level and the methods of choice for calibration of field methods designed to measure adipose tissue.