A recent study has shed light on the cellular basis behind the phenomenon known as “middle-age spread.” Researchers have found that distinct adipose progenitor cells emerging with age play a crucial role in driving active adipogenesis. This means that as people age, these cells multiply and differentiate into fat cells, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
The study, published in Science, used advanced imaging techniques to track the movement of cells in the body. The findings suggest that this process is more active in older adults than previously thought. While the exact mechanisms behind this process are still unclear, the research provides valuable insights into the underlying biology of middle-age spread.
The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of aging and obesity, and could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating these conditions.
Source: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj0430