Weight per se influences body mass regulation differently in male and female mice

Numerous factors are involved to maintain a stable body mass (BM). We hypothesize that also weight per se can influence BM regulation. Male and female mice (FVB) were sham operated or implanted with a metabolic inert load weighing 2% (LO) or 10% (HI) of initial BM. BM, energy intake (El) and energy expenditure (EE) were measured. The artificial weight load influenced BM regulation gender specifically. In males, BM was reduced by 3-5% in HI when compared to SO and LO; EI was unchanged. In females, BM development was similar in all groups; EI was increased by 7 and 12% in LO and HI, respectively, when compared to SO. We conclude that the coupling of EI and EE seems to be tighter in females than in males in order to keep a stable BM.