Newly Identified 'Beige Fat' Cells Could Help Fight Obesity, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Study

Looking to slim down? Then beige is your color, at least as far as fat is concerned. Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have isolated a new type of energy-burning cell known as "beige fat," which they say may have therapeutic potential for aiding weight loss and treating obesity in adults. According to a new report published in the journal Cell, beige fat is scattered in pea-size deposits beneath the skin near the collarbone and along the spine. But rather than storing excess calories in the form of jiggly thighs and a jelly belly as blubbery-and-prolific white fat does, this type of fat is a calorie burner.