Obesity: considerations about etiology, metabolism and the use of experimental models.

• Grant number: 11/22277-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: January 01, 2012
• End date: June 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Lopes de Campos-Ferraz
• Grantee: Patricia Lopes de Campos-Ferraz
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Studies have been conducted in order to identify the main factors that contribute to the development of obesity. The role of genetics also has been extensively studied. However, the substantial augmentation of obesity prevalence in the last twenty years cannot be justified only by genetic alterations that, theoretically, would have occurred in such a short time. Thus the difference of obesity prevalence in various population groups is also related to environmental factors, especially diet and the reduction of physical activity. These aspects, interacting or not with genetic factors, could explain the excess of body fat in large proportions worldwide. This article will focus on positive energy balance, high fat diet, alteration in appetite control hormones, insulin resistance, amino acids metabolism and the limitation of the experimental models to address this complex issue. (AU)