#fat distribution

[fishtank-thinktank]

Anyways, this is just your daily reminder that the BMI is bullshit, I am literally at the healthiest that I’ve been (cardiovascular and muscle wise) and because I put on so much muscle mass, I’m considered level one obese now.

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

Sorry I know i just posted an ask but I would also like help with proper fat distribution.

For example where would I distribute fat on a creature built for endurance flight and short distance sprints? Would storing fat in the tail create drag and slow them down? Would it be better to store the fat mostly in the upper torso?

It is remarkably difficult to look this up, even when using specific animals, without just getting my search results bombarded by articles on how to lose body fat or science discovering new ways to burn off fat.

I know i have read some interesting facts about this sort of thing before, but I am now having a lot of trouble finding an article that explains it again. So I will try to go off memory here.

Fat comes in different forms depending on uts purpose. There is fat that acts as insulation and padding, like the big belly fat you see on heavyweight lifters, and there is fat that provides energy to the muscles (these are not the only types of fat, but it's a simple enough explanation for your question)

For long distance flight and short distance running, I think there will be some muscle-related fat around the legs to provide more direct energy, and some fat evenly distributed aorund the torso to sustain long flights.

Keeping in mind also, a flying creature or person will probably not gain and keep as much fat as a non-flying one, because flight is a very energy draining activity that requires as light a body as possible. This is why we see, like, 5 foot tall shoebill storks that weigh 12 pounds.

Long distance flight can be made pretty energy efficient though. Albatrosses, for example, can fly extremely long distances without coming down to rest. Their wings are built for soaring with very little flapping motion.

I don't know if you're using bird like wings or bat like wings, but either way I would recommend looking up the flying animals that go the longest distances without rest and studying their wing shapes!

With that also in mind, it's hard to eat in the middle of flight, so endurance flying should probably also require a good amount of internal fat storage for backup energy. Spread fairly evenly in the torso, so it doesn't mess up the weight distribution for flying.

You didn't mention in your ask, but I am now picturing a flying people who migrate long distances annually, having several days of feasting to build up some fat stores, and then losing weight as they fly with very little rest. And then having another celebration feast when they land. That would be a fun cultural detail to add to some winged folks.

[gray-wednesday]

[art-of-reinav]

Exploring fat distribution and how clothings of different type changes it's form.

[theartingace]

Hey you're my centaur expert I was wondering how fat centaurs work? :O do they have two stomachs and therefore both halves have bellies or is it one or the other this is very important thank u

Why thank you! My beloved roommates have started referring to me as centaur google, which I definitely feel ambivalent about! 😂

And I have talked about fat distribution a bit more here:

https://theartingace.tumblr.com/post/187807180810/how-would-a-chubby-or-fat-centaur-look-would-a

but the long and short of it is that each half gains weight in the usual way, so the human half gets the usual belly, hips, and arms ect., horses tend to hold fat on top of their hips and behind the shoulders more than the belly, though they would gain it there too! But the overall distribution of fat would be even over both halves of the body baring some unique exceptions!

Enjoy an extra chunky gnoat man because this drawing is older and I love him.

[firespirited]

Camera battery needs charging so have some quick phone pictures of how fabric drapes on the curves. Of course I forgot the most important mod: making those stupid feet and shoes be able to hold her upright.

[whoneedssexed]

Here's why your body stores more fat in certain places

We’re a little obsessed with moving fat around. And no, we’re not talking about stealing bags of liposuction fat to make soap.

[echoesofadventure]

Hey guys, fun fact - I'm almost 20lbs heavier in the photo on the right. Same haircut though 😂