production of hormones. The adrenal glands, the thy-
mus, thyroid, kidneys and other glands use fats to help
make hormones. Cholesterol is one of the fats used for
the production of hormones such as progesterone and
cortisone. The thymus gland regulates immunity and the
body’s defense systems. The thyroid regulates tempera-
ture, weight and other metabolic functions. The kidney’s
hormones help regulate blood pressure, circulation and
filtering of blood. Some hormonal problems are associat-
ed with body fat content that’s too low. For example,
some women with very low body fat, from too much
exercise or very poor diet habits, experience disruptions
in their menstrual cycle. In older women, this may also
affect menopausal symptoms
- Eicosanoids. Hormone-like substances called
eicosanoids, discussed in the next chapter, are necessary
for such normal cellular function as regulating inflamma-
tion, hydration, circulation and free-radical activity.
Produced from dietary fats, eicosanoids are especially
important for their role in controlling inflammation —
the precursor of many chronic diseases including cancer,
heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Many people who have
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, colitis, ten-
dinitis — conditions with names ending in “itis” — prob-
ably have an eicosanoid imbalance. But in many more
people, chronic inflammation goes on silently.
Eicosanoids are also important for regulating blood pres-
sure and hydration. An imbalance can trigger constipa-
tion or diarrhea. Eicosanoid imbalance may also be asso-
ciated with menstrual cramps, blood clotting, tumor
growth and other problems.
- Insulation. The body’s ability to store fat permits
humans to live in most climates, especially in areas of
extreme heat or cold. In warmer areas of the world,
stored fat provides protection from the heat. In colder
lands, increased fat stored beneath the skin prevents too
THE BIG FAT LIE • 61
