Many thanks to Mr. Thomas for putting together our Nutrition Workshop series, which we will continue in January.
Remember this is “No Seconds December” as we celebrate with family and friends for the holidays.
Let’s equip our children for a bright and healthy future by passing on great habits!
The Fat Cell Theory
According to the Centers for Disease Control, two-thirds of Americans are overweight
or obese. From 2003 to 2004 alone, estimated obesity rates in America increased by
0.8 percent. In other words, 3 million more people became obese in one year. Some
scientists believe that the reason that Americans can't lose the weight has to do with
the number of fat cells they generated growing up.
The Fat Cell Theory
It should be no surprise that our most important physiological developments happen when we're children.
Fat cells (or "adipocytes") proliferate in three stages: in the first two years of life; when the child is about 7
years old; and in adolescence. The Fat Cell Theory explains that once we finish growing, we no longer
produce more fat cells. When adults gain weight, their fat cells simply grow. Adults who were leaner as
children will have fewer fat cells to expand than those who were overfed during the crucial fat-cell-growth
years.
Scientific Findings
Researchers headed by Dr. Kristy Spalding at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden first established that
children and adolescents produce new adipocytes, but adults' numbers stayed constant. To find out whether
adults could eliminate fat cells in extreme circumstances, Spalding measured the number of fat cells in
severely obese patients who underwent gastric binding surgery. Although the gastric binding patients lost
huge quantities of weight, their numbers of fat cells stayed the same as before surgery.
Hyperplastic and Hypertrophic Fat Cells
When a child eats too much food, his fat cells swell until they are filled to capacity. When his adipocytes can
hold no more, he begins to produce more fat cells. A high number of fat cells is known as "hyperplastic
obesity." Even if this child loses weight before he is fully grown, he is stuck with the extra fat cells--and thus
a greater capacity to store fat--forever. Since adults who become obese can't produce more fat cells, their
adipocytes simply expand to house the extra calories. The condition of having enlarged fat cells is known as
"hypertrophic obesity" ("hypertrophy" means "excessive growth").
Conclusion
Whether the Fat Cell Theory is accurate or not, it is still possible to shrink your fat cells (and your waistline)
through a combination of proper diet and exercise. Humans evolved to hold onto fat for protection from
cold and starvation, so it will take patience and lifestyle changes to override biology and permanently lose
fat. That being said, many Americans have managed to lose large amounts of weight and keep it off with
hard work. Talk to your doctor to find a weight loss program that works for you.