Palmitate enhances the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells towards white adipocyte lineages

► Palmitate programmed embryonic stem cells towards white fat. ► The effects were partially mimicked by 2-bromopalmitate and by the GPR120 analogue GW9508. ► Palmitate had a preferential effect on the differentiation of subcutaneous fat. ► Palmitate stimulated expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors. ► Palmitate had no effect on androgenising enzymes but increased oestrogenising enzymes.