My Immune System Is Fat – Say What?

In this episode of Decoding Health, Dr. Urban A. Kiernan dives into the concept of ectopic fat—fat that accumulates in places it doesn’t belong, like muscle tissue, the liver, and even immune cells. He explains how this misplaced fat impairs metabolic function and weakens the immune system, particularly T killer cells, which are responsible for fighting cancer. Research has shown that obesity and insulin resistance create the perfect storm for cancer development by rendering immune cells ineffective. Dr. Kiernan also highlights the critical role of lean muscle mass in maintaining metabolic health, emphasizing that resistance training—not just cardio—is now being incorporated into cancer treatment protocols to improve outcomes. Tune in to learn how building and maintaining muscle can help combat metabolic dysfunction and support immune function in the fight against disease.