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Models and mechanisms of energy balance regulation in the young

Julian G Mercer1

  • 1Division of Obesity and Metabolic Health, Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, UK. J.Mercer@rowett.ac.uk

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|August 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is rising globally, especially in the UK. Studying rodent models reveals genetic and early-life factors influencing energy balance and obesity, aiding intervention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Obesity Research
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, with the UK facing particular challenges.
  • Understanding the complex regulatory systems of energy balance is crucial for developing effective interventions.
  • Laboratory animal models are essential for studying the mechanisms of obesity, especially in young populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying causes and developmental pathways of childhood obesity.
  • To identify key genes and environmental factors contributing to energy imbalance.
  • To explore the long-term metabolic consequences of early-life nutritional programming.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing experimental rodent models with specific gene mutations causing obesity.
  • Examining genetic susceptibility to obesity in obesogenic environments.
  • Analyzing the impact of early-life nutritional experiences on later-life metabolic health.

Main Results:

  • Identified genes critical for body weight regulation in rodents and humans.
  • Demonstrated the significant impact of diet and obesogenic environments on regulatory systems in the young.
  • Highlighted the sensitivity of developing systems to in utero and early-life nutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Rodent models provide critical insights into the genetic and environmental drivers of early-onset obesity.
  • Early-life nutrition plays a pivotal role in programming susceptibility to obesity and metabolic disorders.
  • Findings support the development of targeted interventions for childhood obesity based on genetic and nutritional factors.

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