Gaining Fat Cells

OK when we consume fat, I am pretty sure we either gain new fat cells or expand the one ones already there. When we exercise, we can decrease the size of the fat cells but we can't eliminate them. If we have too many fat cells, regardless of their size, and we want to eliminate them, I guess the only option is surgery.

Fat cells are hard to get rid of. "If you don't eat for a couple of days, the size of the fat cells decrease -- they lose fat. But the number of fat cells themselves are very difficult to reduce." biochemist Daniel Lane, of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine http://www.applesforhealth.com/HealthyFeatures/ halfatgrow4.html

Isn't it also true that the shrunken fat cells work hard to be filled up again? Maybe that's why they do it, to avoid the eventual hari-kari?

For short term fat gain, the fat cells take in more triglyceride and get bigger. When they can't hold anymore, they send out signals that cause the body to make more fat cells. (contrary to what use to be believed) It is also thought that if one loses weight and maintains it for a period if time, the body instructs unneeded fat cells to commit suicide. One theory on what causes type 2 diabetes is a defect in the body's ability to make new fat cells and therefore excess nutrients have no place to go.

In any case, it's not how many fat cells you have that determine how fat you are but how much fat they hold.

Where did you get THAT information please? Please cite supporting evidence.

One theory on what causes type 2 diabetes is a defect in the

lipogenesis = fat production. carbs stimulates lipogenesis. carbs is the main ingredient used by the body to make fat. i do not believe eating fat makes you fat. there are many cultures that eat lots of fat and are not fat. i have never heard that carbs burn fat, but i do hear fat burns fat...and i notice that cultures that eat high carb diets such as asians and mediterranean consume carbs with lipogeneis inhibitors like olive oil or green tea, etc.

i have posted more about this in more detail if anyone is interested.


ms carb blocker

Very interesting information, Ms Carb Blocker Thank you.

But how is it then that sportsmen have to eat lots of carbs and by performing their sports they burn it all off? I am very curious about this so I look forward to hearing your explanation how this can happen

Interesting, i didn't know any of this!