Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
Published on: July 21, 2017
Lipogenesis in human adipose tissue: some effects of nibbling and gorging
Abstract:
Six grossly obese patients were fed 5000 calorie diets for 4 wk. During one period of 2 wk, the calories were consumed over 4 hr (gorging) and during the other 2 wk, the dietary intake was spread over 20 hr (nibbling). Each of these periods followed a low caloric intake which lasted at least 10 days. Three male patients (group I) were studied at or near their maximal weight and three females (group II) after a weight loss of 50-70 kg. The patients in group II gained more weight than those in group I. Lipogenesis from pyruvate was greater in group II than in group I. Rapid ingestion of food (gorging) was accompanied by a significant increase in glyceride-glycerol-(14)C and fatty acids-(14)C from pyruvate-(14)C. The enzymatic activity of sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial glycerophosphate oxidase paralleled the rate of formation of glyceride-glycerol. Lipogenesis from pyruvate was significantly lower when the bicarbonate concentration was reduced from 25 to 10 mM. Citrate and acetate were also converted to fatty acids but there was no difference between gorging and nibbling. An inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase significantly reduced the conversion of pyruvate into CO(2), glyceride-glycerol, and fatty acids. These data on gorging and nibbling have been related to other studies suggesting that the frequency of food intake may be inversely related to obesity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Regulation of Food Intake

