Female Fat Cells and Lipogenic Enzymes

How Estrogen and Dieting Affect Weight Loss

The difference between male and female fat cells lies in enzyme systems and the size of fat cells. Women have more of the lipogenic enzymes that store fat, and the more one stores, the bigger the fat cells.

Men's lipolytic enzymes, on the other hand, cause the release of fat, giving them smaller fat cells. Because of these differences, women store fat faster than men and lose it slower.

Estrogen, the female sex hormone, activates and multiplies the lipogenic enzymes. This explains the increased body fat of of females during puberty and pregnancy, as well as when women are on oral contraceptives or estrogen-replacement therapy. The male sex hormone, testosterone activates the lipolytic enzymes for the speedy release of fat.

Estrogen not only stimulates the storage of fat, but also directs where most of it will be stored: in the buttocks, hips, and thighs.

Dieting Stimulates Fat Storage

When dieting, the red warning lights flash and the biochemical changes in your body begin. One of the first changes that occurs is the activation and multiplication of the fat-storing lipogenic enzymes, so that you will be better equipped to store with a lack of food. Your body reflexively prepares for "famine".

Weight Loss and Fat Cells

After dieting, you have even more storage enzymes and fewer releasing enzymes.That's why each time you go on a diet it's tougher to lose weight, but easier to gain it back.

Here are some strategies on outsmarting the female fat cell:

• Understand your body.
• Aerobicise your fat cells.
• Stop dieting and start eating.
• Eat what you want - just don't overeat.
• Shrink and multiply your meals.
• Become a daytime eater.