Fig. 8: Scheme of key findings.

In the context of obesity, intermittent fasting increases the abundance of lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) in crown-like structures of visceral adipose tissue of mice. This coincides with adipocyte apoptosis and activation of p53 signalling. Knock out (KO) of p53 specifically in adipocytes reduces inflammatory and apoptotic signalling, while elevating the catabolic state of adipocytes. Consequently, p53 KO leads to increased weight loss, enhancing the metabolic health benefits of intermittent fasting. Data in human cohorts implicate p53 in clinical weight loss scenarios. Created with BioRender (www.biorender.com).