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Obesity in evolutionary perspective

Y H Thong

    Medical Hypotheses
    |May 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Humans are unique among primates for lacking fur, relying on subcutaneous fat for insulation and thermal regulation. Maintaining healthy body fat levels is crucial, as artificial weight reduction can harm physiological requirements.

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    Area of Science:

    • Human physiology
    • Evolutionary biology
    • Primatology

    Background:

    • Humans are the only primates lacking fur, necessitating alternative insulation methods.
    • Subcutaneous fat serves as the primary insulator for humans, crucial for endotherms.
    • Efficient thermal regulation is vital for protecting tissues from temperature fluctuations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the evolutionary significance of subcutaneous fat in humans.
    • To understand the role of subcutaneous fat in thermal regulation and energy conservation.
    • To highlight the importance of physiological fat regulation and question detrimental weight-reduction practices.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative analysis of human and primate insulation strategies.
    • Review of physiological mechanisms controlling thermal regulation.

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  • Examination of the relationship between adiposity and health.

    • Main Results:

    • Subcutaneous fat is essential for human thermal regulation and energy conservation.
    • Physiological mechanisms finely control adiposity levels in healthy individuals.
    • Body fat content reflects physiological needs, suggesting caution with weight-loss interventions.

    Conclusions:

    • Subcutaneous fat is a vital organ for human survival and well-being.
    • Human evolution may have favored fat for insulation, possibly due to a semi-aquatic past.
    • Dietary and weight-reduction measures can be detrimental, emphasizing the need to respect physiological fat levels.