We can lose fat, but we can’t lose fat cells. So indicates research coming out of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where, the journal Nature reports, scientists have been busily counting fat-holding cells. Nature reports that researchers at the institute took biopsies of belly fat from 687 people, both
lean and obese, and recorded the number and size of fat cells, as well
as the subjects’ age, sex and body mass index. Combined with previous
similar data from children, they showed that the average number of fat
cells rises until the age of about 20, and then remains relatively
constant, and is closely linked with body mass index. Nature reports that old fat cells do die, but they are soon replaced by new fat cells, ready to carry around any number of extra pounds.
What to do? Whatever you’ve always done to keep the weight off. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already too old to change the number of fats cells in your body.
Read more in Nature.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Thanks Geezer!
As an ex fat person who lost 50+ pounds and has kept it off for a couple of years, I was a little concerned when I read the headline. However, even though I can’t lose the fat cells, I don’t have to fill them up. Keep up the good work.
Mike
So what can be done here? Are you saying that because I have more fat cells from my obesity at a young age, my fat cells will forever be trying to fill themselves up? Is the only weight loss option for people like myself to suck the actual fat cells out with liposuction? Does liposuction actually accomplish that? I feel like I should just quit trying to loose weight right now. I’m at the weight that I was at 20, which is still overweight but according to your article it will be nearly impossible to loose from this point on.