NUTR 1010 Lecture 19: Mar 3 Lecture: Genetics and Obesity
3 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
We inherit our body shape and characteristics from our parents. Set-point theory: the theory that when people finish growing, their weight remains relatively stable for long periods of despite periodic changes in energy intake or output (partly genetic, partially environment) A hormone made by adipose cells that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger. With obesity, there is often a decreased sensitivity to leptin occurs, resulting in an inability to detect satiety despite high energy stores. Studies with mice have seen a decrease in appetite and prevents obesity. Bottom line: main function, is the regulation of fat stores. Help signal the brain that the body has enough energy stores such as body fat. When people diet, they eat less and their fat cells lose some fat, thus decreases the amount of leptin produced. Levels of leptin (appetite suppressor) are lower when you"re thin and higher when you"re overweight. Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone.
