Scientists discover why waistlines expand in middle age

Research by City of Hope reveals aging triggers a new type of stem cell, leading to increased fat cell production around the belly.
Older adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) independently produce more fat cells, causing midsection expansion despite stable body weight.
A novel stem cell, committed preadipocytes age-specific (CP-As), emerges in middle age and is driven by the LIFR signaling pathway to create new fat cells.
Similar mechanisms found in human tissue suggest new targets to prevent age-related belly fat and improve metabolic health.