Age-Related Belly Fat Gain Driven by Fat-Making Cells: Study

New York: A recent study by scientists at City of Hope has uncovered why belly fat tends to increase with age, even when body weight stays the same. Published in the journal Science, the study reveals that certain stem cells become more active with age, resulting in the formation of new fat cells, particularly around the abdomen.

The research, led by Dr. Qiong (Annabel) Wang from the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, looked at the cellular and molecular changes in fat tissue as people age. “We discovered aging triggers the arrival of a new type of adult stem cell and enhances the body’s massive production of new fat cells, especially around the belly,” said Dr. Wang.

The scientists studied white adipose tissue (WAT)—the fat that builds up with age—and focused on adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs), a type of stem cell that can develop into fat cells. When APCs from older mice were transplanted into younger mice, they generated a large number of fat cells. In contrast, APCs from younger mice did not produce as much fat when placed into older mice. This suggests that aging changes these stem cells, making them more active in creating fat.

To understand the mechanism, the team used single-cell RNA sequencing and identified a key signaling pathway known as LIFR (leukemia inhibitory factor receptor). “Our research indicates that LIFR plays a crucial role in triggering CP-As to create new fat cells and expand belly fat in older mice,” said Dr. Wang.

Abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, is linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. “Our findings highlight the importance of controlling new fat-cell formation to address age-related obesity,” Dr. Wang concluded. These insights may open doors to new treatments that prevent or reduce belly fat as we age.