Adipocytes

Adipocytes, also known as fat cells, are the main cells of adipose tissue and play a central role in storing energy in the form of fat in the body. These cells can enlarge by accumulating more fat when a person consumes more energy than they expend.

Functions of Adipocytes

The primary function of adipocytes is to store fatty acids in the form of triglycerides. In addition, they perform several other important functions:

• Production of hormones, such as leptin, which regulates appetite and energy balance.
• Secretion of adiponectin, involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.
• Production of cytokines, which influence inflammatory processes in the body.

Adipocytes and the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet may have the following effects on adipocytes:

1. Reduction in the size of adipocytes by utilizing accumulated fatty acids.
2. Decrease in the number of new fat cells, as the body synthesizes less fat from carbohydrates.
3. Alteration in adipokine secretion, with a potential increase in adiponectin production, which improves insulin sensitivity.

Therefore, the ketogenic diet not only contributes to weight loss by reducing the volume of fat cells but may also improve overall metabolism, reducing the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.