Adipocyte
Encyclopedia
However, in some reports and textbooks, the number of fat cell (adipocytes) increased in childhood and adolescence. The total number is constant in both obese and lean adult. Individuals who become obese as adult has no more fat cell than they had before.
According to a new research by Tchoukalova et al, 2010, it has been reported that the body fat cells could have regional responses to the overfeeding studied in adult subjects. In upper body, an increasing of the adipocyte size was correlated with upper-body fat gain; however, the total fat cells were not significantly change. In contrast to the upper body fat cell responses, a number of lower-body adipocytes were significantly increased during the course of experiment but there was no change in the cell size.
In summary, we do not know clearly that the number of fat cells can increase or not but, surely, the number will not decrease.
Approximately 10% of fat cells are renewed annually at all adult ages and levels of body mass index without a significant increase in the overall number of adipocytes in adulthood.
, potentially being the reason why underweight
or overweight
are risk factors for infertility
.
According to a new research by Tchoukalova et al, 2010, it has been reported that the body fat cells could have regional responses to the overfeeding studied in adult subjects. In upper body, an increasing of the adipocyte size was correlated with upper-body fat gain; however, the total fat cells were not significantly change. In contrast to the upper body fat cell responses, a number of lower-body adipocytes were significantly increased during the course of experiment but there was no change in the cell size.
In summary, we do not know clearly that the number of fat cells can increase or not but, surely, the number will not decrease.
Approximately 10% of fat cells are renewed annually at all adult ages and levels of body mass index without a significant increase in the overall number of adipocytes in adulthood.
Endocrine functions
Adipocytes produce estrogenEstrogen
Estrogens , oestrogens , or œstrogens, are a group of compounds named for their importance in the estrous cycle of humans and other animals. They are the primary female sex hormones. Natural estrogens are steroid hormones, while some synthetic ones are non-steroidal...
, potentially being the reason why underweight
Underweight
The term underweight refers to a human who is considered to be under a healthy weight. "Underweight" means weighing less than what is expected to be a healthy person . The definition is usually made with reference to the body mass index . A BMI of under 18.5 is usually referred to as underweight...
or overweight
Overweight
Overweight is generally defined as having more body fat than is optimally healthy. Being overweight is a common condition, especially where food supplies are plentiful and lifestyles are sedentary...
are risk factors for infertility
Infertility
Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term...
.