The utility of animal models of human energy homeostasis.

L. Thibault*, S.C. Woods, M.S. Westerterp-Plantenga

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity among adults and children has increased steadily over the last few years worldwide, reaching epidemic proportions. Particularly alarming is the link between obesity and the development of chronic disorders such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and some cancers (Bjorntorp, 1997). Environmental causes of obesity are thought to include a sedentary lifestyle and an abundance of highly palatable energy-dense foods (Hill et al. 2003). Genetic factors also contribute to susceptibility to obesity, although the genetic basis of most human obesities is thought to be polygenic (Comuzzie & Allison, 1998; Barsh et al. 2000). The present paper considers some of the animal models used to infer aspects of human obesity, with an emphasis upon their usefulness.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S41-5
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
Volume92 Suppl 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2004

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