The ineluctable constraints of thermodynamics in the aetiology of obesity

• 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
• ISSN: 0305-1870; 1440-1681
• DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12869

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.