30 Seconds Summary
Chubby Muscles? What You Need to Know About Intramuscular Adipose Tissue

  • Intramuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) develops when satellite cells, which usually repair muscle, become fat cells under certain conditions, primarily due to inactivity.
  • IMAT negatively impacts health by decreasing insulin sensitivity, increasing inflammation, and diminishing muscle recovery and strength.
  • Factors leading to IMAT include sedentary lifestyles, injuries that limit mobility, and conditions like spinal cord injury which decrease physical activity.
  • Diet and exercise, particularly resistance and aerobic exercises, are effective in reducing IMAT and improving muscle function.
  • Not all intramuscular fats are detrimental; those developed through aerobic training can increase mitochondrial density and support metabolic health.
  • Continuous inactivity can create a cycle where increased IMAT leads to further muscle dysfunction and higher insulin resistance.
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