The Different Types of Adipocytes and their Function

Biology of Obesity
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1. Briefly describe how adipose tissue develops
 Adipose tissue (fat mass) is made up of adipocytes, which are lipid-rich cells. There can be the addition of adipocytes or differentiation of new adipocytes. There is the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. The stem cells first differentiate into the fibroblasts, preadipocytes, and mature adipocytes (Rogge & Gautam, 2017). Adipocyte differentiation and activation partly depend on environmental factors, and the differentiation is associated with weight gain and obesity (Rogge & Gautam, 2017).
 2. Identify the different types of adipocytes and their function
There are three types of adipocytes the white, brown, and beige adipocytes. White adipose tissue is an energy reservoir in the form of lipids and releases the fatty acids when needed (Rogge & Gautam, 2017). Brown adipose tissue is necessary for “nonshivering thermogenesis for heat production” (Rogge & Gautam, 2017). The brown adipose tissue is necessary for the oxidation of lipids and is activated when the human body is cold. Obese adults tend to be deficient in the brown adipose tissue compared to normal-weight adults (Rogge & Gautam, 2017). Beige adipocytes tissue functions are essential in maintaining energy balance. The presence of external stimuli like chronic exposure to cold causes the white adipocytes to transform into beige adipocytes (Rogge & Gautam, 2017).
3. What is the role of leptin with regard to obesity?
 Adipocytes secrete hormones that regulate energy balance and regulate adiposity (Rogge & Gautam, 2017). Leptin also establishes direct communication with the central nervous system, participating in the regulation of appetite and interacting with various neuropeptides and insulin. Leptin raises T3 that increases the metabolic rate, resulting in increased energy expenditure (Rogge & Gautam, 2017).