Belly Fat: Not As Bad As We Thought

Here's a little good news for those of us with big bellies: belly fat may not be as bad for our health as we thought. A new study from Chicago's Loyola University found that abdominal fat appears to help regulate the immune system and also help heal damaged tissue in other parts of the body.

Researchers looked at the unique cells of the omentum -- the network of fatty tissue surrounding vital internal organs -- and found some interesting things that may lead to more effective immunosuppressive drugs and even treatments for autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

Loyola's researchers found that belly fat even contains special types of stem cells called mesenchymal cells. They're able to turn themselves into other important body cells such as lung cells and bone cells. They're also important because they can move to injured areas of the body and help repair damaged tissue by generating fresh cells.

According to study author Makio Iwashima:

"We now have evidence that the omentum is not just fat sitting in the belly."

Still, experts do not suggest trying to increase your stomach fat levels. Most healthy people will have enough (or way more than enough) to get the immune-regulating and tissue-healing benefits of the belly's cells. And with all the known risks of having too much, it's definitely worth the effort to lose belly fat if you have too much of the stuff!

Learn some mo': Belly Fat's Still Bad, but Maybe Not All Bad