With the transformation of modern lifestyles and population ageing

obesity has become a global epidemic

as one of the important threat to human health of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). Stem cell therapy seems promising as an alternative strategy for managing obesity and related metabolic problems. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have received widespread attention

which provides new ideas for the treatment of obesity and various metabolic-related diseases

due to their abundant reserves

easy acquisition

rapid expansion

and multi-directional differentiation potential

low immunogenicity and many other advantages. Accordingly

there seems to be a “shield and spear paradox” in the relationship between ADSCs and obesity. In this review

we emphatically summarized the role of ADSCs in the occurrence and development of obesity and related metabolic disease processes

in order to pave the way for clinical practice.