New Research Explains Why Our Waistlines Expand in Middle Age

Research uncovers the cellular culprit behind age-related abdominal fat

It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle-age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases.

Why our waistlines expand in middle age: Stem cells

It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle-age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. Exactly how age transforms a six pack into a softer stomach, however, is murky. New research shows how aging shifts stem cells into overdrive to create more belly fat.

New Research Explains Why Our Waistlines Expand in Middle Age

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 25, 2025-

Why our waistlines expand in middle age—aging stem cells shift into overdrive

It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. Exactly how age transforms a six pack into a softer stomach, however, is murky.

New research explains why our waistlines expand in middle age. Aging shifts stem cells into overdrive to create more belly fat, finds new mouse experiments later validated on human cells. This is the first evidence that our bellies expand with age due to