ABSTRACT
It is well known that adipose tissue is a heterogeneous organ characterized by marked differences in adipocyte metabolism, depending on anatomical location. Intra-abdominal or visceral adipocytes are more sensitive to adrenergic stimulation than abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes, which in turn are more sensitive than gluteal/femoral adipocytes. These differences are thought to be at least partially responsible for the gender differences in adipose tissue distribution and suggest that adipose tissue distribution may be influenced by various lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. Accordingly, as plasma catecholamine levels are elevated in response to exercise, it is not unreasonable to assume that regular exercise might alter adipose tissue distribution in a way that induces a preferential mobilization of abdominal adipose tissue. This would convey an important health benefit and reinforce the notion that exercise is a useful treatment strategy for obesity reduction.
