Food insecurity promotes adiposity in mice.

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Obesity research
• Nutritional science

Background:

• The global obesity epidemic is a complex health challenge.
• Food insecurity, defined as unpredictable food access, is a growing concern.
• Understanding the link between food insecurity and obesity is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of food insecurity on body weight and composition.
• To explore the metabolic adaptations associated with food insecurity.

Main Methods:

• Male and female C57BL/6J mice were used.
• Intermittent fasting and calorie restriction simulated food insecurity.
• Transcriptomic analysis of white adipose tissue was performed.

Main Results:

• Food insecurity increased fat mass and decreased lean mass in both sexes.
• High-fat diet-fed males showed decreased lean mass despite positive energy balance.
• Metabolic pathways for fat expansion were upregulated in food-insecure mice.

Conclusions:

• Food insecurity drives metabolic adaptations favoring fat storage.
• This research is vital for interventions targeting obesity in disadvantaged populations.
• Understanding the paradoxical link between food insecurity and adiposity is key.