The Endocrine Functions of Subcutaneous Fat—And How to Train It

Dr. LaFountain interviews Dr. Aaron Slusher on the endocrine dynamics of subcutaneous fat. This episode is based on Dr. Slusher’s recent research review, where he explores how abdominal subcutaneous fat (Ab-SAT)—aka the fat just under your skin—can act as a metabolic buffer, protecting you from insulin resistance, enhancing metabolic elasticity, reducing fat spillover, and limiting chronic inflammation.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How certain fat protects you from insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction
  • Why exercise doesn’t just burn fat; it transforms it into a more functional tissue
  • How different types of training influence fat behavior at the cellular level
  • A smarter way to approach fat loss: not just how much you lose, but how well it works for you