How CLA Reduces Fat Storage in the Body
Science-backed support for your fat loss journey.
Introduction
If you’re trying to burn fat and improve body shape, you may have heard of CLA (Conjugated
Linoleic Acid—a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy from grass-fed animals.
Over the past two decades, CLA has gained attention for its ability to reduce body
fat, block new fat formation, and support metabolism. But how does it work?
Let’s explore the scientific mechanisms that make CLA a smart choice for reducing fat
storage capacity in your body.
1. CLA Blocks the Body from Making New Fat
Your body stores fat by converting excess calories into fatty acids through a process called
lipogenesis. CLA, especially the trans-10, cis-12 isomer, has been shown to suppress this
process.
It does this by downregulating fat-producing enzymes like:
- Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC)
- Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS)
- Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 (SCD-1)
These enzymes are controlled by a master gene called SREBP-1c (Sterol Regulatory ElementBinding Protein), and CLA helps shut it down. This results in less fat being produced and stored in your body.
Scientific Reference:
Park Y, Storkson JM, Ntambi JM, et al. Inhibition of hepatic SCD-1 expression by trans-10, cis12 CLA: role of SREBP-1c. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000;1486(2–3):285–292.
doi:10.1016/S1388-1981(00)00078-9
2. CLA Increases Fat Burning
CLA helps your body use stored fat for energy instead of keeping it in fat cells. It does this
by:
- Activating enzymes like Hormone-Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and Adipose Triglyceride Lipase
Lipase (ATGL). - Stimulating PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha) and
Uncoupling Proteins (UCPs), which help burn fat in muscle and the liver
This leads to more fat being broken down and burned, especially during exercise.
Scientific Reference:
Tsuboyama-Kasaoka N, Takahashi M, Tanemura K, et al. CLA reduces adipose tissue by
inducing apoptosis and enhancing fat oxidation. Diabetes. 2000;49(9):1534–1542.
doi:10.2337/diabetes.49.9.1534
3. CLA Prevents New Fat Cells From Forming (Anti-Adipogenesis)
Your fat cells don’t just grow—they multiply. This process, called adipogenesis, happens
when your body turns preadipocytes (baby fat cells) into mature fat-storing cells.
CLA has been shown to block this process by suppressing two key transcription factors:
PPAR-γ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma)
C/EBP-α (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha)
By reducing the creation of new fat cells, CLA limits how much fat your body can store in the
long run.
Scientific Reference:
Brown JM, Boysen MS, Jensen SS, et al. Isomer-specific regulation of adipogenesis by CLA in
human preadipocytes. J Lipid Res. 2003;44(7):1287–1300. doi:10.1194/jlr.M200520-JLR200
4. CLA Helps Break Down Existing Fat Cells
Another powerful effect of CLA is that it can promote apoptosis, a natural process of
programmed cell death in mature fat cells.
In other words, CLA can reduce the number of fat cells in your body, not just shrink them.
Scientific Reference:
Tsuboyama-Kasaoka N, et al. Diabetes. 2000;49(9):1534–1542.
5. CLA Supports Healthier Nutrient Use
CLA may also influence insulin sensitivity, helping the body use glucose more efficiently.
When nutrients like sugar are used for energy instead of being stored as fat, your body
Composition improves.
Scientific Reference:
Houseknecht KL, Vanden Heuvel JP, Moya-Camarena SY, et al. CLA normalizes impaired
glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998;244(3):678–682.
doi:10.1006/bbrc 1998.8329
6. Does It Work in Humans?
Yes! A major review of multiple human studies found that taking 3.2 grams of CLA daily can
help reduce fat mass over time.
Scientific Reference:
Whigham LD, Watras AC, Schoeller DA. Efficacy of CLA for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203–1211. doi:10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1203
Conclusion: Why CLA Works for Fat Reduction
CLA helps reduce fat storage in the body through multiple, scientifically validated pathways:
- Blocks fat production (lipogenesis)
- Increases fat breakdown and oxidation.
- Prevents the formation of new fat cells (anti-adipogenesis)
- Promotes fat cell removal (apoptosis)
- Helps the body use nutrients more efficiently
That’s why CLA is trusted by health-conscious individuals, athletes, and people on fat loss
journeys worldwide. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, CLA can be a
powerful natural ally in achieving a leaner, healthier body.
References
1. Park Y, et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000;1486(2–3):285–292.
2. Tsuboyama-Kasaoka N, et al. Diabetes. 2000;49(9):1534–1542.
3. Brown JM, et al. J Lipid Res. 2003;44(7):1287–1300.
4. Houseknecht KL, et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998;244(3):678–682.
5. Whigham LD, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203–1211
