Nature Metabolism, Published online: 08 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s42255-025-01426-3When the brain detects ongoing fuel depletion, sympathetic nervous system outflow to white adipose tissue induces lipolysis to mobilize fuel. Yet there exists a subset of ‘stable adipocytes’ that resist lipolysis via this mechanism. The discovery of a novel lipolysis mechanism reshapes our understanding of how body energy requirements are met in times of need.

Nature Metabolism, Published online: 08 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s42255-025-01424-5Stable adipocytes resist lipolysis in healthy states but are highly susceptible to a catecholamine-independent, neurosystemic pathway-driven catabolic state.