Are our fat cells for life?

Years ago it used to be said that our fat cells were laid down during our early years and by the end of our teens, whatever number we had then were going to be with us for life. We could, of course, fill up those fat cells so they became bigger as we gained weight, or they reduced in size when we lost a few pounds, but the underlying number remained the same.

But it has now been discovered that that is not the case. It’s true that fat cells are laid down in the womb and through our growing years but they can keep on increasing if we keep on eating to excess. The fatter we get, the more fat cells we develop so, sadly, there is no limit to how big we can become.

There is some good news though. Whereas we once believed that our formative fat cells were there for life, in fact, they don’t have to be. Apparently, if we lose weight and keep the weight off, the body ‘gobbles up’ the redundant fat cells. This should give us all tremendous encouragement and the incentive to slim down and stay that way rather than resign ourselves that ‘we’re made that way’.

Exercise plays a very important role in keeping us leaner and in so many areas of our health that we should seriously make time to do some activity every day. Even if it is just walking up and down stairs more often, going for a walk in our lunch break or playing active games with our families or going for a bike ride, the benefits to keeping ourselves slimmer and fitter are enormous. We will not only help to keep our heart and lungs in better health, we will be burning fat and helping to keep our weight under control.

Exercise should be fun and I still think that working out with others in a class is one of the most fun ways – plus you work lots of different muscles which give you a better shape. Have a look on our website, (www.rosemaryconley.com), if you would like to see if one of our diet and fitness classes is near to where you live or work. Just by doing a bit of exercise on a regular basis can make a huge difference to the way you look and feel.

Why not write down today five things you could do on a daily basis that would get you moving more. You don’t have to train for a marathon - just move about more throughout your day.