New Discovery: Why Belly Fat Grows

 New Discovery: Why Belly Fat Grows with Age — and How We Might Stop It

Have you ever noticed how keeping your waistline in check gets harder as you get older? Even if your weight doesn’t change much, your belly might start to grow. Scientists now have a better idea why — and they’re working on ways to stop it.

Did You Know? Nearly 40% of Americans are considered obese, according to the CDC. That’s a serious concern because obesity raises the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. To tackle this growing issue, scientists at the University of Delaware are digging deep, all the way down to our genes, to better understand how obesity works and how we might fight it more effectively.

A team of researchers at City of Hope, a leading U.S. center for cancer and diabetes research, has made a breakthrough in understanding how and why belly fat increases during middle age. They've discovered a new type of stem cell called CP-As that appears in our bodies as we age and helps create new fat cells, especially around the abdomen. 

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What Are CP-As?

These CP-A cells are a kind of stem cell that specifically develops in middle age. They’re very active in turning into fat cells, which helps explain why we tend to gain belly fat as we grow older.

Dr. Qiong (Annabel) Wang, who led the research, explained it like this: “As people age, they often lose muscle but gain belly fat, even if their overall weight stays the same. We found that aging triggers the appearance of these new fat-producing cells.”

The Role of LIFR – A Key Signal in Fat Growth

The researchers also discovered a key signaling pathway called LIFR that activates CP-A cells. This signal tells these cells to multiply and turn into fat, especially in the belly.

Interestingly, younger bodies don’t rely on this signal to produce fat, but older bodies do. So, blocking this signal might one day help prevent age-related belly fat gain. Read Lovers in Science

From Mice to Humans

The team first made these discoveries in mice. They found that stem cells from older mice created much more fat than those from younger mice, even when transplanted into young animals. Then, they looked at human fat tissue and found that the same type of CP-A cells were present in middle-aged people.

That means the research could eventually lead to treatments that target these cells in humans, helping reduce belly fat and possibly prevent related health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Read about Chronic back pain

Why This Matters

Belly fat isn’t just about how we look. It’s linked to serious health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The fat that gathers around our organs, called visceral fat is especially dangerous.

Understanding how fat cells form and expand with age gives scientists a new path forward: If we can block or slow down the activity of CP-As or LIFR, we might be able to stop or reduce age-related belly fat.

Gene Clues from the University of Delaware

Another study, this one from the University of Delaware, looked at how diet affects fat at the genetic level. Their team studied how a high-fat diet impacts gene activity in fat tissue. They found big changes in the genes of fat cells, especially in the harmful visceral fat.

They discovered hundreds of genes that behaved differently depending on the diet, especially in fat around the organs. This type of fat causes inflammation and increases the risk of diseases.

Four genes stood out to researchers as especially important — ones connected to metabolism, inflammation, and calcium handling. These might also become future targets for treatments.

Bottom Line

Scientists are getting closer to figuring out why belly fat grows with age — and how to stop it. With new knowledge about CP-A cells and how fat genes respond to diet, future treatments may help people stay healthier as they age. For now, eating well and staying active are still the best ways to keep your belly — and your health — in check.