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question

Do obese people have more fat cells than thin people?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Internal Medicine
answer
The difference between obese people and thin people isn't the number of fat cells; it's the size of them. You don't make more fat cells the fatter you get; you have the same number of fat cells you had as an adolescent. The only difference is that the fat globules within each cell increase as you store more fat. By the way, muscles work the same way; you don't make more muscle cells; the muscle cells get larger.
YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.