Obesity

Energy Balance

The relationship between energy intake (calories consumed) and energy expenditure (calories burned).

Homeostatic Regulation

The body's mechanisms that maintain energy balance through hunger and satiety signals.

Leptin

A hormone produced by adipose tissue that suppresses appetite and stimulates energy expenditure.

Ghrelin

The 'hunger hormone' secreted primarily by the stomach, which stimulates appetite.

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas that facilitates glucose uptake and plays a role in fat storage.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predispositions that influence body weight regulation, appetite, and metabolism.

Epigenetic Factors

Environmental influences affecting gene expression related to obesity that can be passed through generations.

Neurobiological Mechanisms

The brain's role in regulating energy homeostasis through hormone integration and neurotransmitters.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The amount of energy expended at rest, influenced by factors such as body composition and age.

Gut Microbiota

The microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract that affect metabolism and energy extraction from food.

Peptide YY

A hormone released by the gastrointestinal tract that signals satiety.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)

A hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and promotes satiety.

Dietary Patterns

The types of food consumed, which can affect obesity risk through calorie intake and nutritional quality.

Socioeconomic Factors

Social and economic conditions that influence dietary patterns and physical activity.

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress that can lead to emotional eating and increased calorie consumption.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measurement that assesses body weight relative to height, used to classify obesity.

Adipocyte

A specialized fat cell that stores energy in the form of triglycerides.

Triglycerides

Fats composed of three fatty acids and glycerol, stored in adipocytes.

Lipolysis

The process of breaking down stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol for energy use.

Adipokines

Hormone-like substances secreted by adipose tissue that regulate metabolism and immune functions.

Chronic Inflammation

A prolonged inflammatory response associated with excess adipose tissue, leading to metabolic complications.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions, including insulin resistance and hypertension, linked to obesity.

Orexins

Neuropeptides that increase appetite and reduce metabolism, thus promoting food intake.

Anorexins

Substances that suppress appetite and increase metabolism, promoting energy expenditure.

Leptin Resistance

A condition where the body does not respond effectively to leptin, leading to continued hunger and overeating.

Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that reduces appetite and improves glucose metabolism.

Visceral Obesity

Fat accumulation around internal organs, often linked to higher health risks than subcutaneous fat.

Subcutaneous Fat

Fat stored beneath the skin, generally associated with lower metabolic risks than visceral fat.

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)

Fat tissue involved in thermogenesis and energy expenditure, containing many mitochondria.

White Adipose Tissue (WAT)

The primary type of fat that stores energy and is associated with negative metabolic consequences when excessive.

Beige Adipose Tissue

A type of fat that can develop from white fat and is associated with increased energy expenditure.

Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue (BMAT)

Adipose tissue found in bone marrow that can influence bone health and contribute to inflammation.

Free Fatty Acids (FFAs)

Fatty acids released into the bloodstream from adipose tissue, impacting metabolism and insulin signaling.

Energy Expenditure

The total amount of energy used by the body, influenced by physical activity, metabolism, and BMR.

Cortisol

A hormone associated with stress that can influence appetite, metabolism, and obesity.

Endocannabinoids

Compounds that increase appetite by binding to receptors in the brain and promoting energy storage.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that affect the reward pathways related to eating behavior.

Physiological Mechanisms

The processes affecting body systems that contribute to the development of obesity.

Psychological Stress

Mental strain that can lead to changes in eating behavior and contribute to obesity.

Hunger and Satiety Signals

Hormonal and neural signals that regulate appetite and the feeling of fullness.