The creation of adipose tissue is the body's way of storing energy during times of fasting. Adipose tissue also produces hormones including leptin and resistin.
There are two types of adipose tissue, or fat. Brown adipose tissue is designed to help maintain the body's temperature, and is most common in infants. White adipose tissue is designed as a receptacle for future energy needs. The body does not have a limit on storing energy, excessive white adipose tissue is known as obesity. Surgery can be complicated by excess adipose tissue. Adipose can make it difficult for surgeons to locate different structures of the body, it may need to be moved aside to allow access to other tissues, and it can limit the surgeon's ability to use minimally invasive techniques.
