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

Authors Pereira-Lancha, Campos-Ferraz PLC, Lancha Junior AH

Received 15 September 2011

Accepted for publication 27 October 2011

Published 10 April 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 75—87

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S25026

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Luciana O Pereira-Lancha, Patricia L Campos-Ferraz, Antonio H Lancha Junior

School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Studies have been conducted in order to identify the main factors that contribute to the development of obesity. The role of genetics has also been extensively studied. However, the substantial augmentation of obesity prevalence in the last 20 years cannot be justified only by genetic alterations that, theoretically, would have occurred in such a short time. Thus, the difference in 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.

Keywords: obesity, diet, leptin, fat, ghrelin, experimental models

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