The ineluctable constraints of thermodynamics in the aetiology of obesity

Summary We exploit the detail‐independence feature of thermodynamics to examine issues related to the development of obesity. We adopt a ‘global’ approach consistent with focus on the first law of thermodynamics – namely that the metabolic energy provided by dietary foodstuffs has only three possibl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology 2018-03, Vol.45 (3), p.219-225
Main Authors: Loiselle, Denis S, Barclay, Christopher J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipose tissue
Animals
ATP
Body weight loss
caloric intake
Diet
Digestion - physiology
Energy conservation law
Energy metabolism
exercise
Fatigue limit
Food intake
Gastrointestinal Tract - physiology
heat
Heat loss
Humans
Obesity
Obesity - etiology
Obesity - metabolism
Thermodynamics
Weight control
Weight Loss
Weight reduction
work
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Summary:Summary We exploit the detail‐independence feature of thermodynamics to examine issues related to the development of obesity. We adopt a ‘global’ approach consistent with focus on the first law of thermodynamics – namely that the metabolic energy provided by dietary foodstuffs has only three possible fates: the performance of work (be it microscopic or macroscopic), the generation of heat, or storage – primarily in the form of adipose tissue. Quantification of the energy expended, in the form of fat metabolised, during selected endurance events, reveals the inherent limitation of over‐reliance on exercise as a primary agent of weight loss. This result prompts examination of various (non‐exercise based) possibilities of increasing the rate of heat loss. Since these, too, give little cause for optimism, we are obliged to conclude that obesity can be prevented, or weight loss achieved, only if exercise is supplemented by reduction of food intake.
ISSN:0305-1870
1440-1681
DOI:10.1111/1440-1681.12869