Fat May Be Stuck on You

If you think “there’s always tomorrow” to change you body, a new study shows you’ve got it all wrong, at least when it comes to changing your fat cells. Scientists claim that, by age 20, we are stuck with the fat cells we have acquired.

Researchers say this finding is especially important for obese people who can have twice as many fat cells as people who are thinner. The study also lends evidence to the idea that adult obesity is partially predetermined by childhood diet and exercise.

During the small study of 35 people, scientists discovered that about 10% of their fat cells were restored every year, even if the person was not obese. Another part of the study showed that the total number of fat cells per person stayed pretty much the same throughout a period of time. Even extreme surgeries, like bariatric surgery, did not lessen the number of fat cells a person carried. This means that if you already have more fat cells than the average person acquired during childhood, then it will be more difficult for you to lose weight.

But don’t stop your weight loss efforts just yet. Despite the findings, a healthy diet and regular exercise are still a necessary part of any lifestyle. Both habits—no matter what age you start—are important for preventing several illnesses and diseases, including cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The most important lesson learned? Start kids out with healthy eating habits early! The lifestyle they establish now will affect them for the rest of their lives. [LiveScience]