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Hypocaloric Dieting Unsettles the Neuroenergetic Homeostasis in Humans
Ewelina K Wardzinski1, Carolin Hyzy1, Kai Uwe Duysen1
1Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
Nutrients
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Low-calorie dieting temporarily reduces stress hormones and improves brain energy status in obesity. However, some brain energy markers remain altered long-term, indicating persistent changes in neuroenergetic homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Long-term success of low-calorie diets for obesity is limited.
- Brain energy homeostasis is crucial for body weight regulation.
- Hypothesized that cerebral energy status adapts to weight loss from hypocaloric dieting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adaptation of cerebral energy status during and after weight loss induced by hypocaloric dieting in obese individuals.
- To assess changes in neurohormonal stress axis activity and blood glucose metabolism.
Main Methods:
- 26 healthy obese participants underwent a 2-week hypocaloric diet.
- Cerebral energy status assessed using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) pre-diet, post-diet, and at follow-up.
- Monitored blood glucose, hormonal levels (insulin, C-peptide, ACTH), and norepinephrine.
Main Results:
- Weight loss decreased insulin, C-peptide, ACTH, and norepinephrine levels.
- Hypocaloric dieting increased brain ATP/Pi and PCr/Pi ratios and decreased NADH levels.
- At follow-up, hormonal levels returned to baseline, but PCr/Pi ratios remained elevated and NADH levels reduced, indicating persistent neuroenergetic changes.
Conclusions:
- Low-calorie dieting transiently reduces neurohormonal stress and enhances brain energy status in obesity.
- Persistent alterations in brain energy markers (PCr/Pi, NADH) suggest lasting changes in neuroenergetic homeostasis after rapid weight loss.
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