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Deviations in energy sensing predict long-term weight change in overweight Native Americans
Alessio Basolo1, Susanne B Votruba1, Sascha Heinitz1
1Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|January 7, 2018
Summary
Individual overeating, especially of fats, beyond energy needs predicts long-term weight gain. This suggests that variations in energy sensing influence appetite, promoting obesity development.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Metabolic research
- Obesity studies
Background:
- Energy expenditure (EE) is proposed to drive food intake and influence human weight change.
- Discrepancies between energy sensing and requirements may lead to weight gain over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between energy expenditure, ad libitum food intake, and subsequent weight change.
- To determine if individual overeating predicts long-term weight gain.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one overweight Native Americans underwent body composition analysis and 24-hour EE measurement via indirect calorimetry.
- Ad libitum food intake was assessed over three days using computerized vending machines.
- Body weight change was monitored over a median follow-up of 1.7 years.
Main Results:
- Total food intake positively correlated with 24-hour EE, respiratory quotient (RQ), and fat-free mass.
- Greater food intake relative to 24-hour EE predicted weight gain (r=0.26, p=0.04).
- Overeating 100 kcal/day above EE predictions was associated with 0.22 kg weight gain, driven by increased fat intake.
Conclusions:
- Individual overeating propensity, particularly of fat, predicts long-term weight gain.
- Variations in energy sensing may promote obesity by favoring overeating.
- Assessing overeating relative to energy needs can identify individuals at risk for weight gain.
Keywords:
Energy expenditureEnergy intakeEnergy sensingFat intakeFood intakeOvereatingOverfeedingWeight changeWeight gainMore Related Videos
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