Scientists at a Swedish University have just published a new study, which, on first reading, might be depressing for anyone trying to lose weight. The report from the Karolinska Institute says that the number of fat cells that a person holds in their body is determined during adolescence. They also suggest that no amount of dieting or exercise will reduce the number of these cells. The actual volume of the individual cells, however, can be altered.
The fact that the number of cells does not alter does not mean that a person cannot lose weight. These cells, which are called adipocyte, form the main part of our bellies and waistlines. When people get fatter these cells expand in size which in turn adds to overall body mass. It is this change in the size of the cells that will affect a person’s physical appearance.
Whilst scientists knew that these cells could increase and decrease in size they were not sure whether or not the actual number of cells was rising and falling as well. This report says no, the number of fat cells stays exactly the same whatever a person’s actual weight or physical appearance. This fact explains why it is so difficult to lose weight. The fat cells in a person’s body are crying out to be fed and the more cells there are the louder they cry.
The research was carried out on several hundred children, adolescents and adults of varying ages whose fat cell levels were measured over a number of years. It was discovered that while the levels could go up or down during childhood, during adolescence there came a point when these levels stopped changing and became set.
Dr Paul Trayhurn from Liverpool University sees the research as a firm foundation for future studies into cause and treatments for obesity, suggesting that it might allow scientists to find a way to genetically manipulate the number of fat cells held in the body. He did however stress that there were far more pressing issues to be addressed on the subject of obesity, namely diet and exercise.
Professor Stephen O’Rahilly from Cambridge University, however, is not convinced by the research’s findings. He said, "I think it is premature to conclude that, by the time we are adolescents, the 'game is up' in terms of the number of fat cells we can possess."