Neuropeptides, appetite regulation, and human obesity
Article Abstract:
Obesity is the oldest and most common metabolic disorder, causing adverse effects on health and length of life. In the United States, about 10 percent of the population is defined as obese. The physiological aspects of obesity are discussed, and the case of a 55-year old woman who had been morbidly obese for 30 years is presented. Until recently, it was believed that weight gain was caused by taking in more energy (calories) than were expended, but it is now known that other mechanisms are involved. Research with identical twins has indicated that genetic factors are more important than childhood influences. In addition, as many as one in 50 obese people may have experienced damage, inflammation or other disorders affecting the appetite regulatory center in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates water balance, sugar and fat metabolism, body temperature, and the secretion of releasing and inhibiting hormones. There are several neuropeptides involved in appetite inhibition, but histidylprolinediketopiperazine /cyclo(HisPro)~ is one of the most potent. It reduces appetite for 12 hours in rodents, inhibits weight gain for up to two weeks, and has potential use in the control of obesity. The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin also decrease appetite. Treatment for obesity should include a diet for gradual weight reduction, exercise, behavioral modification, and drug therapy. Physicians must realize that obese patients are not just normal people who eat too much. Although obesity is a complex disease with significant complications, it can be treated, even when maintenance of ideal body weight is seldom achieved. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Effect of Age on Excess Mortality in Obesity
Article Abstract:
Age appears to lower the excess mortality rate associated with obesity. In a study of 6,053 obese people, the mortality rate was 67% higher among men and 45% higher among women compared to non-obese people from the general population. However, when analyzed by age, younger men and women had the highest excess mortality from obesity and older men and women the lowest. The lowest mortality rate occurred in the oldest and slimmest people whereas the highest mortality rate occurred in the youngest and heaviest people.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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