Scientists have discovered the primary biological reason behind the increase in fat around the waist and abdomen as people age. The research reveals that specific stem cells responsible for generating new fat cells become activated over time. It is hoped that future treatments aimed at inhibiting the activity of these stem cells could help manage obesity. June 29, Kathmandu.
Although overall body weight may not drastically change with age, it is common to observe a gradual increase in waist and belly size, known as ‘belly fat.’ Fat accumulation around the abdomen not only affects appearance but also slows metabolism and increases risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and accelerated aging. Recently, researchers at City of Hope have uncovered the biological basis for this phenomenon.
According to Annabel Wang, Associate Professor at City of Hope’s Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, the body begins to develop a new type of adult stem cells that specifically generate substantial numbers of new fat cells around the abdomen as people get older. Previously, scientists believed that increased belly fat was mainly due to existing fat cells growing larger. However, this new research shows that fat accumulation results not only from fat cells enlarging but also from the continuous formation of new fat cells by these stem cells, contributing to an expanding waistline.
