Regulation of Body Weight

Course overview

Obesity is a global health concern associated with a number of acute and chronic health problems. Losing a modest percentage of body weight can decrease risk for chronic diseases. Unfortunately, losing weight is not easy; keeping it off is even more difficult. To lose weight, a negative energy balance is needed, which the body interprets as a sign to increase food intake. This course will examine the complex nature of energy balance that is critical for successful weight loss and maintenance of that loss. It is crucial to understand the role of fat tissue and how it plays a role in determining hunger and satiety; the role of genetics in body fat distribution and body weight regulation; communication networks among the brain, hormones, peptides, organs, and tissues; gut microbes; and other components of the body involved in regulating hunger and weight.