[The adipocyte in the history of slimming agents]

Nowadays, in industrialised societies, it is fashionable for women to be slim. However, throughout history, this has not always been the case, especially as "cellulite" (cellulitis) was full of typically feminine symbols. The ideal feminine silhouette has changed with the rhythm of cultures. Cellulitis is an inappropriate term used by women to describe curves which they judge to be too plump and not very aesthetic, mostly around the thighs and hips. This lipodystrophy of the adipose tissue represents approximately 25% of a woman's body weight. It is clinically characterised by an "orange peel" skin surface, which is a result of the excessive development of the volume of the adipocytes organised in lobules within the walls of the unstretchable conjunctive tissue. This phenomenon is associated with an insufficiency of the venous tonus and an increase in the capillary permeability, which both contribute to an increase in the infiltration of water in the tissue. In reality, the understanding of cellulite has truly progressed with research based on adipocyte functions. An adipocyte is a metabolically active cell which plays a central role in the control of the energetic balance of the organism. In order to assume this role, it possesses all the enzymatic equipment necessary for synthesis (lipogenesis) and for triglyceride storage, mobilisation and liberation as free fatty acids (lipolysis). During these last few years, as well as this role as an energetic reserve which manages lipogenesis/lipolysis balance, the adipocyte has acquired the status of an endocrine and paracrine cell through the identification of numerous secreted factors. When we look back at the history of slimming products launched on the market since the 1980's, we can notice the role of the adipocyte tool and understand its functions in the choice of active ingredients, the development of complementary actions, the importance of the texture, the evolution of methods used to evaluate the efficacy on human volunteers and of course, we must not forget the women satisfaction and the power of seduction through words.