They make it harder to lose weight.
According to a recent study, having “skinny” fat cells may pose challenges in weight management, making it more difficult to shed pounds and easier to gain weight. Researchers suggest that the size of fat cells alone could potentially predict weight gain or loss over time.
The study, set to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy, indicates that individuals with larger fat cells tend to experience weight loss, while those with smaller fat cells are more prone to weight gain. Professor Peter Arner, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, compares this phenomenon to a room filled with balloons, suggesting that emptying larger balloons (fat cells) has a more significant impact on weight reduction than deflating smaller ones.
Examining 260 participants with an average age of 44 and an average BMI of 32 (considered obese), researchers measured fat cell volume in the abdominal region. After approximately 15 years, the same individuals were reassessed, revealing associations between fat cell size and changes in weight, BMI, and total body fat.
Interestingly, individuals with a higher number of large fat cells experienced decreases in weight-related measures, while those with numerous small fat cells saw increases. These associations persisted even after considering factors like age, sex, and physical activity level.
The study underscores the potential importance of early assessment of fat cell size in predicting future weight management challenges. Arner suggests that such information could inform tailored weight management strategies, offering additional support to individuals with smaller fat cells who may find weight loss more challenging.
However, Arner notes that individuals with small fat cells also possess metabolic advantages, potentially reducing their risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure compared to those with larger fat cells.
While these findings offer valuable insights, they are preliminary and await publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Nonetheless, they highlight the complexity of weight management and the potential role of fat cell size in predicting and addressing weight-related issues.
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