Excess Body Fat Affects Horse Health

What’s worse than unwanted fat? Obese adipose tissue, of course!

According to a new study by researchers from the United Kingdom, obese adipose tissue—a term referring to the fat tissue in overweight animals—acts like a discrete identity, doing damage, sometimes irreversible, to the body.

“Many overweight horses suffer from equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which is accompanied by insulin dysregulation,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist. “In turn, insulin dysregulation results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels and contributes to the development of life-threatening laminitis.”

Scientists have learned that adipose tissue actually makes important contributions to the overall health of the body. When there is too much fat, called obese adipose tissue, the entire body suffers.

“Obese adipose tissue can contribute to insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream, as well as releasing proinflammatory mediators and free fatty acids,” Crandell shared.

Analyzing obese adipose tissue function from horses diagnosed with EMS and comparing it with adipose tissue function from healthy, nonobese horses, the study authors found “significant dysfunction” of the analyzed fat samples. They also noted these changes may contribute to “whole-body insulin dysregulation.”

One of the take-home messages from this study included the importance of educating horse owners about the “unhealthy” nature of obese adipose tissue.

“This is where lack of attention to weight management rears its ugly head. As challenging and time-consuming as it is to put your horse on a diet, avoiding or eliminating obese adipose tissue will improve a horse’s overall health and welfare,” advised Crandell.

If you need additional advice on how best to feed your horse, please submit an online consultation form and a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor will be happy to help.

*Reynolds, A., J.A. Keen, T. Fordham, et al. Adipose tissue dysfunction in obese horses with equine metabolic syndrome. Equine Veterinary Journal 51:760-766.