The presence of small fat cells has been identified as a factor in weight gain in old age.

Scientists are trying to find a safe approach to diets

As the study showed, fat cells in people of different sizes decrease and increase depending on the fluctuations in a person’s weight. The analysis indicated that people with smaller fat cells are more likely to gain weight in the future and have a harder time losing it again.

Photo: unsplash.com

People with small fat cells are more likely to gain weight in old age, according to scientists from Stockholm. To test how these different sized cells affect weight over time, doctors at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge in Sweden measured the size of people's fat cells and weighed them. Fifteen years later, they weighed the same people again.

The scientists measured the volume of abdominal fat cells in 260 people with an average age of 44 and an average BMI of 32 who were considered obese. (BMI is short for body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight)

They found that people with smaller fat cells were more likely to gain weight in the future, compared to people with larger fat cells, who were more likely to lose weight.

“It's a bit like if the room was filled to the top with several large balloons or many small ones,” explains Professor Peter Arner.

Scientists indicate that their research could improve treatments for obesity in people.

“Knowing the size of fat cells can be of great clinical importance before starting a weight loss program. While people with larger fat cells may find it easier to lose weight, those with smaller cells may benefit from additional support,” says Arner.

The effect remained significant even when other factors such as age, gender and physical activity level were taken into account, the researchers said.

There is currently no easy way to measure the size of fat cells, but scientists are working on This is where we are close to finding a solution.

However, according to Arner, people with a large number of small fat cells should not feel deprived. These cells have other benefits as well.

“It is well known that people with small fat cells have a better metabolic profile than people of the same weight but large fat cells,” explains Arner.

He added that if someone with small fat cells does gain weight, it may not increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as much as if they had large fat cells. cells.