[Energy metabolism in obesity]

The regulation of energy metabolism in obesity may differ from normal condition in several respects. The synthesis of lipids may be enhanced due to a greater production of insulin, estrogens and cortisol and to a lack of dehydroepiandrosterone. Lipolysis is reduced in obese subjects by a decreased secretion of catecholamines, growth hormone, adipsin and cachectin. Inadequate intake of food and stress modify the T3/rT3 ratio. Oxidative phosphorylation and the production of ATP is modified, thermogenesis decreases due to a reduced synthesis of thermogenin. A decreased activity of substrate cycles and of the Na-K ATPase, is expected. Most of these disorders are normalized in post-obese patients. Many common drugs interfere with energy metabolism, namely those used in psychiatry and all hormones and their antagonists mentioned above and used for a long time. Obesity should not be considered as a simple result of overeating and lack of physical activity.