Fat Cells (Adipocytes)
Fat cells, scientifically called adipocytes, are specialized cells whose primary job is to store energy in the form of fat (triglycerides).
Two types
- White fat cells: Store energy and provide insulation/cushioning
- Brown fat cells: Burn energy to produce heat (more common in babies)
Functions
- Energy storage: Store excess calories as triglycerides
- Energy release: Break down triglycerides into fatty acids when body needs fuel
- Hormone production: Secrete hormones like leptin (controls hunger) and adiponectin (regulates metabolism)
- Insulation: Keep body warm
- Cushioning: Protect organs from physical shock
Interesting facts
- Fat cells can expand up to 50-100 times their original size
- Number of fat cells is mostly set by adulthood - weight gain usually means existing cells get bigger, not more numerous
- Fat cells rarely die - when you lose weight, they shrink but don’t disappear
- Located under skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat)
Fat cells are essentially your body’s energy bank accounts - depositing and withdrawing fuel as needed!