AT is recognized as the largest energy store of free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG), and more recently as an endocrine organ that regulates the secretion of adipokines, which coordinate energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity and feeding behavior, not only in adults but also in pediatric populations. Imbalance between visceral and subcutaneous AT is capable of altering its physiology. In obese individuals, especially those with abdominal obesity, there is an increase of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), c-reactive protein (CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and fibrinogen among others, known for their proinflammatory, prothrombotic and.
