Difference Between White Fat And Brown Fat: Whenever we talk about the fat accumulated in the body, we often consider it only good or bad. But the truth is more complex than this. Fat is not just an element that increases weight, but works like an active system inside the body, which deeply affects our health. Research in recent years has made it clear that it is not just the amount of fat, but where it is stored in the body that makes the real difference.
What came out in the research?
A study conducted by the University of Glasgow revealed that despite following the same diet, fat accumulates differently in different people. In European people, this fat is mostly stored under the skin, whereas in South Asian people, especially Indians, this fat is stored around the organs inside the body, which is called visceral fat. This is the reason why diabetes and heart diseases are more common in Indians.
What do experts say?
Nutritionist Ryan Fernando said that fat acts like an endocrine organ, which produces hormones and affects metabolism. Therefore, the health of two people with the same weight is not the same. At the same time, according to Dr. V Mohan, Indians have less ability to store fat under the skin, due to which excess fat starts accumulating directly inside the body.
Difference between white and brown fat
There are different types of fat: white fat and brown fat. White fat is that which accumulates in the body and increases obesity and causes diseases. On the other hand, brown fat is beneficial for the body. It helps burn calories, controls blood sugar and improves heart health. Dr. Mohan explains that excess white fat increases inflammation in the body and can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. At the same time, brown fat increases good hormones like adiponectin in the body, which is beneficial for metabolism.
Scientists are working on this
Scientists are now also working on how white fat can be converted into brown fat. However, this process has not been completely proven in humans yet, but research is going on in this direction. Professor Naresh Bal of Keet University explains that some natural elements like compounds found in black pepper and chilli can help in activating brown fat.
According to Dr. Natarajan Ganesan, the body does not burn fat just like that, but the quality of fat is as important as the quantity. That means healthy fats like nuts and olive oil are more beneficial for the body.
Read this also – Heat Stroke Symptoms: Our body gives these signals before getting heatstroke, do not ignore them even by mistake
Important role of lifestyle
Apart from this, our lifestyle also plays a big role. More processed food, sugar and less active lifestyle increase white fat in the body. The traditional Indian diet, which includes turmeric, ginger, green tea and spices, can help activate brown fat.

What is its impact in India
Its effects are now clearly visible in India. According to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Report 2025, more than 27 million children and adolescents in India may be obese by 2030, which will be about 11 percent of the global burden. At the same time, data from the National Family Health Survey shows that obesity in adults has increased rapidly in the last few decades, an increase of about 91 percent has been recorded in women and up to 146 percent in men.
Read this also – Vitamin D Deficiency: Does body ache and bad mood go away without any reason, is this happening due to deficiency of this vitamin?
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator