Adipose tissue--much more than just a fat repository

Link: Adipose tissue - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Y'know, the way the dieting industry carries on, you would think that there is absolutely no good to be found in any kind of body fat, and its only function is to stand in the way of true health and beauty. Nothing could be further from the truth, as the above-linked Wikipedia article makes clear. Adipose tissue is not just a passive repository of fats, but plays an active role in many metabolic and other bodily processes. Of especial interest to me because I've just given up my ovaries to the surgeon's knife, is the ability of adipose tissue to excrete estradiol, the primary female estrogen hormone. So right now I'm really glad my fat tissue is around to ease my precipitous jump right into full-blown menopause! (Yep, I'm starting to have hot flashes, but I can just imagine how much worse they might be if I were a little skinny twig!)