Discovery of the culprit behind abdominal fat 👀

Weight gain around the abdomen with age may now have a scientific explanation. Researchers have identified a new type of stem cell, named CP-As, which emerges around the age of 50 and promotes the accumulation of visceral fat.

These cells, discovered by a team at City of Hope, are distinguished by their ability to transform into fat cells. Their activity is regulated by the LIFR signaling pathway, a promising avenue for developing treatments against age-related obesity. The findings of this study were published in Science.


Experiments conducted on mice showed that CP-As are nearly inactive in young individuals. However, their production of fat cells skyrockets after a certain age. This discovery explains why fat tends to accumulate around the waist over the years.

The researchers also validated these observations in human cells. CP-As are present in greater numbers in middle-aged individuals, confirming their key role in abdominal weight gain. This breakthrough paves the way for new strategies to counteract the effects of aging on metabolism.

The team identified the LIFR pathway as a potential lever to regulate CP-As activity. Blocking this pathway could limit the production of new fat cells and thus reduce visceral fat accumulation. This approach could improve metabolic health in older adults.

Next steps will involve studying CP-As behavior in humans in greater detail. Researchers also plan to develop therapies specifically targeting these cells. The goal is to prevent complications linked to abdominal obesity, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

This study highlights the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms of aging. CP-As represent a promising therapeutic target for improving the quality of life in older adults. Researchers hope their work will lead to significant advances in combating age-related obesity.

What is visceral fat?

Visceral fat is a type of adipose tissue located around abdominal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, it is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Its accumulation is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. With age, fat distribution in the body changes, favoring storage around the abdomen.

Visceral fat is metabolically active and can release inflammatory substances. These contribute to the development of insulin resistance and other health complications.

Understanding the mechanisms behind its accumulation is crucial for developing prevention and treatment strategies.