• Single-cell omics technologies enable unprecedented resolution of adipose tissue heterogeneity, revealing rare progenitor subpopulations and lineage hierarchies.
• These technologies provide biomarkers for dysfunctional adipose states linked to cancer, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, with implications for targeted therapies.
• Understanding adipose heterogeneity is critical for standardizing regenerative medicine products, including cell-based and cell-free approaches.
• The review highlights advances in single-cell omics that can improve clinical translation and quality control of adipose-derived therapeutics.