Fat accumulation mystery: elucidation of the process driving stomach fat expansion
Got an expanding waistline, even though your weight's steady? Scientists have you covered
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It's a common problem for many: as we age, our waistline seems to swell despite our weight staying the same. Thanks to a groundbreaking study led by City of Hope Medical Center and the University of California, Los Angeles, we now know the root cause. The issue is those sneaky "dormant" stem cells that become active as we grow older, churning out fat cells like a factory on our waistline. But don't start freaking out just yet—this discovery also provides hope, giving scientists a target for new treatments that could slow down aging and extend our healthy years.
Suddenly, Why Does the Belly Grow?
Surprise! Those lazy fat factories are actually awake and busy. These adipose precursor cells (APCs) quietly hang out until they're activated. With age, they transform into a specific type—CP-A (predetermined preadipocytes), which kickstarts the production line of new fat cells, resulting in an accumulation of fat on the belly.
Dr. Guan Wang, co-author of the study from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology at the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, explains:
- Aging turns on the body's mass production of new fat cells, even when weight stays the same, says Dr. Wang (California, USA).
This age-related belly expansion isn't merely an aesthetic issue; it's linked to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a slowed metabolism. As noted by Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Ocaña, another co-author of the study,
Fat cells in the abdominal area release substances that speed up aging throughout the body.
Can we break the "fat cycle" of waist aging?
Researchers have made a significant stride in the fight against aging. CP-A fat aging cells, the culprits behind waist expansion, listen to a unique molecular "remote control" (LIFR pathway). If this mechanism can be blocked, our internal fat production factory can be shut down.
As Dr. Van daydreams,
If we find the "off switch" for CP-A cells and cut off their power, age-related abdominal expansion could be prevented.
Now, researchers plan to study CP-A cells in humans to learn how they manipulate fat storage in our bodies. They'll then begin working on an "antidote"—drugs that can neutralize CP-A without causing harm to our health.
In the future, this could result in revolutionary treatments that eliminate the fat cycle around the waist as well as reduce age-related risks of diabetes and heart disease.
LIVING HEALTHY
Zuhra Pavlov, MD, PhD, senior research scientist at the Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University, and author of the "Doctor Pavlov, Endocrinologist" channel, offers insights on maintaining a healthy waistline and overall well-being:
A healthy lifestyle can partially compensate for changes in stem cell activity. Engage in physical activity, especially aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, cycling). Adopt a balanced diet (reduced simple sugars, increased vegetables, and protein). And keep a close eye on your weight and body inflammation (limit fast food and stress management). Age-related changes aren't a death sentence. Understanding the mechanisms behind these changes offers us the opportunity to make timely adjustments to our lifestyle, ensuring good health for many years to come.
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- As we age, our bodies mass-produce new fat cells, even when weight stays the same, contributing to an expanded belly and increased risk of medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- These new fat cells are produced by a specific type of dormant stem cell that activates as we age, transforming into CP-A (predetermined preadipocytes) and kickstarting the production line of new fat cells.
- The aging process can be slowed down by blocking the unique molecular "remote control" (LIFR pathway) that CP-A cells respond to, effectively shutting down our internal fat production factory.
- To prevent age-related abdominal expansion, researchers are currently studying CP-A cells in humans and working on drugs that can neutralize them without harming our overall health.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in fitness and exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress and body inflammation, can help partially compensate for changes in stem cell activity, leading to improved health and wellness.
- Understanding the mechanisms behind age-related changes not only offers us the opportunity to make timely adjustments to our lifestyle but also provides the potential for revolutionary treatments that eliminate the fat cycle around the waist, reduce age-related risks, and promote longevity.
