Energy balance

When subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) reaches its maximal storage capacity, it becomes dysfunctional and fails to store lipids appropriately, leading to ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and visceral depots, thereby causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

If you are obese, your body's ability to store fat safely in your subcutaneous areas (like thighs and arms) may be maxed out. Once this 'buffer' is full, excess fat spills over into your liver and visceral organs, causing disease. Strategies to improve metabolic health should focus on preventing this overflow, potentially through interventions that support adipose tissue health or reduce caloric intake to match storage capacity.