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Related Concept Videos

Regulation of Food Intake01:30

Regulation of Food Intake

Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
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Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
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Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Hypodermis01:02

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

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During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...

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Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents
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Published on: November 1, 2019

Fattening up without overeating.

Jennifer L Watts1

  • 1School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. jwatts@wsu.edu

Cell Metabolism
|August 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Animals change metabolism and behavior to survive food scarcity. Researchers identified a neural circuit in C. elegans that controls feeding and fat storage during these periods.

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents
09:10

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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
08:06

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice

Published on: November 27, 2019

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
04:48

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Published on: May 8, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior
  • Metabolic Regulation

Background:

  • Animals exhibit significant physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive periods of food scarcity.
  • Understanding the underlying neural mechanisms is crucial for comprehending survival strategies.

Discussion:

  • Greer et al. (2008) investigated the neural circuits governing feeding behavior and fat storage in the model organism C. elegans.
  • The study leverages the well-defined nervous system of C. elegans to dissect complex survival responses.

Key Insights:

  • Identification of a specific neural circuit regulating feeding behavior in response to starvation.
  • Elucidation of how this circuit influences fat storage mechanisms.
  • Provides a foundation for understanding conserved starvation response pathways.

Outlook:

  • Further research can explore the broader applicability of these findings to other organisms.
  • Potential therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders could emerge from this research.
  • Understanding neural control of energy balance is key for metabolic health.