To predict whether a person will gain weight or not, just look at the size of their cells. Individuals whose fat cells are large tend to lose weight over time; on the contrary, those who have these small cells will accumulate it. Scientific research says so, in particular the study presented by a group of Swedish scientists at the European Congress on Obesity, underway in Venice.
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Microscope pointed at the abdomen
It has been clear for some time that the size and number of adipose cells are crucial for evaluating fat mass. However, it was not known what impact these characteristics had on weight change over time. So the Swedish team recruited 260 people (30% men) to measure the volume and number of abdominal fat cells. After an average of 15 years, the participants were evaluated again, excluding those who had undergone bariatric surgery or followed drug therapy over time.
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The related factors
The results of the study demonstrate that the initial volume of fat cells and their number are related to changes in three parameters: total weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage. Having a large amount of large fat cells is associated with a decrease in all three measures, while having few and small cells is associated with an increase in all three parameters. Association that is valid both if people are obese and if they are not. The most important effect is that of size, the numerousness amplifies the data but is not decisive. “We can only make assumptions to explain what we saw. One is that weight loss occurs when energy expenditure exceeds energy intake and the body burns fat to compensate. Our results suggest that the loss of large fat cells has a greater impact on weight than the loss of small cells,” explained Peter Arner, from the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, one of the authors of the study. . On the other hand, the expert continues, if you have a room filled to the ceiling with balloons it is easier to make space by popping the larger ones rather than the smaller ones.
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An important parameter, but difficult to measure
Measuring the size of fat cells could have important clinical significance, for example before starting a weight loss program. “For those with small cells we could think of giving extra support to obtain the result,” underlined Arner. “Unfortunately there is no easy way to do this measurement, but we are working on it.” There are also advantages for people who have small fat cells – the researcher said – for example having a better metabolic profile: for them, gaining weight does not increase the risk of developing conditions associated with weight gain, such as diabetes type 2 or high blood pressure.
