Biomedical subjects

Margriet S Westerterp-Plantenga

Publications and source records attributed to Margriet S Westerterp-Plantenga.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea.

The global prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last decade. Tools for obesity management, including caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea have been proposed as strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance, since they may increase energy expenditure and have been proposed to counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that is present during weight loss. A combination of caffeine and ephedrine has shown to be effective in long-term weight management, likely due to different mechanisms that may operate synergistically, e.g., respectively inhibiting the phosphodiesterase-induced degradation of cAMP and enhancing the sympathetic release of catecholamines. However, adverse effects of ephedrine prevent the feasibility of this approach. Capsaicin has been shown to be effective, yet when it is used clinically it requires a strong compliance to a certain dosage, that has not been shown to be feasible yet. Also positive effects on body-weight management have been shown using green tea mixtures. Green tea, by containing both tea catechins and caffeine, may act through inhibition of catechol O-methyl-transferase, and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Here, the mechanisms may also operate synergistically. In addition, tea catechins have antiangiogenic properties that may prevent development of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, the sympathetic nervous system is involved in the regulation of lipolysis, and the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissue may play an important role in the regulation of total body fat in general.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate on net fat synthesis as de novo lipogenesis.

(-)-Hydroxycitrate (HCA) might promote weight maintenance by limiting the capacity for de novo lipogenesis (DNL). It was investigated whether HCA may reduce DNL in humans during a persistent excess of energy intake as carbohydrate. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and cross-over design, 10 sedentary lean male subjects (mean+/-S.D., age: 24+/-5 years, BMI: 21.8+/-2.1 kg/m2) performed a glycogen depletion exercise test followed by a 3-day high-fat diet (F/CHO/P, 60/25/15% energy; 100% of energy expenditure (EE)) and a 7-day high-CHO diet (F/CHO/P, <5/>85/10% energy; 130-175% of EE; overfeeding). During overfeeding, they ingested 3 x 500 mg/day HCA or placebo (PLA). Each intervention ended with a 60-h stay in the respiration chamber (days 9 and 10). Body weight increased during overfeeding (mean+/-S.E., HCA: 2.9+/-0.2 kg, PLA: 2.8+/-0.2 kg). Respiratory quotient (RQ) was >1.00 in all subjects indicating that DNL was present. On day 9, 24-h EE was lower with HCA compared to PLA (P < 0.05). On day 10, resting metabolic rate and RQ during night were lower (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Non-protein RQ, fat balance and net fat synthesis as DNL tended to be lower (P < 0.1) with HCA compared to PLA indicating lower DNL; activity-induced EE was higher with HCA (P < 0.05) indicating the urge to eliminate the excess of energy ingested. We conclude that an experimental condition resulting in DNL in humans was created and that treatment with HCA during overfeeding with carbohydrates may reduce DNL.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Nutrient-stimulated glucagon-like peptide 1 release after body-weight loss and weight maintenance in human subjects.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone that is released in response to nutrient ingestion. Postprandial GLP-1 release has been reported to be attenuated in obese subjects, but reports on the effect of weight loss on GLP-1 are conflicting. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of a weight-loss period and a consecutive weight-maintenance period on nutrient-stimulated GLP-1 release in obese subjects. Nutrient-stimulated (standard breakfast; 1.9 MJ) GLP-1 release was investigated in thirty-two obese subjects on three occasions: before weight loss (T1) (BMI 30.0 (sd 2.5) kg/m(2)); after a 6-week very-low-energy diet (VLED) (T2) (BMI 27.6 (sd 2.3) kg/m(2)); after a 3-month weight-maintenance period (T3) (BMI 27.9 (sd 2.3) kg/m(2)). At each occasion, following a fasting blood sample the test meal was fed and blood was drawn every 30 min for 2 h relative to ingestion in order to determine plasma GLP-1, insulin, glucose and NEFA concentrations. Subjects lost 7 (sd 3.4) kg during the VLED (P<0.0001) and regained 1 (sd 3.2) kg during the weight-maintenance period (NS). The area under the curve for nutrient-stimulated plasma GLP-1 (pmol/l x h) was significantly decreased (P=0.01) at T2 (6.8 (sd 1)) compared with T1 (12.8 (sd 2.9)) and T3 (11.1 (sd 1.5)). Since we found a rebound of concentrations after a weight-maintenance period, decrease after weight loss seems to be transient and possibly due to a negative energy balance.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2006

Satiety and substrate mobilization after oral fat stimulation.

The aim of the study was to provoke cephalic and metabolic responses by oral fat stimulation with different high-fat meals in the postprandial state. A randomized parallel design was executed with three groups of subjects (twenty-six women and ten men; twelve subjects per group). Oral fat stimulation was achieved by the modified sham feeding (MSF) technique. Five hours after a high-fat breakfast, the subjects were given one of three test meals in random order: a high-fat lunch, water or the same lunch as the MSF. The main fat sources in the high-fat lunch and MSF were olive oil, linoleic oil and oleic oil. For 3 h after the test meal, blood samples were taken for analysis of metabolite, and visual analogue scales of appetite profile were completed. A cephalic response appeared to be achieved by MSF in that we observed a relative increase in insulin and glucose; this response lasted up until 90 min, indicating possible vagal stimulation. NEFA increased significantly after MSF compared with water ingestion in the case of olive oil (P<0.0001) and linoleic oil (P<0.05), but not with oleic oil. MSF provoked a significantly higher increase in triacylglycerol and glycerol levels compared with water ingestion in the case of linoleic oil (P<0.05). Satiety was significantly increased in the eating condition and in the MSF condition (P<0.0002, all oils) compared with water ingestion. We conclude that cephalic and perhaps vagal stimulation by different fats increased the concentrations of the metabolites and stimulated satiety, with linoleic oil showing the strongest response.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, 24-h satiety, and energy and substrate metabolism during a high-protein diet and measured in a respiration chamber.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of protein-induced satiety remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate 24-h satiety and related hormones and energy and substrate metabolism during a high-protein (HP) diet in a respiration chamber. DESIGN: Twelve healthy women aged 18-40 y were fed in energy balance an adequate-protein (AP: 10%, 60%, and 30% of energy from protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively) or an HP (30%, 40%, and 30% of energy from protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively) diet in a randomized crossover design. Substrate oxidation, 24-h energy expenditure (EE), appetite profile, and ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Sleeping metabolic rate (6.40 +/- 0.47 compared with 6.12 +/- 0.40 MJ/d; P < 0.05), diet-induced thermogenesis (0.91 +/- 0.25 compared with 0.69 +/- 0.24 MJ/d; P < 0.05), and satiety were significantly higher, and activity-induced EE (1.68 +/- 0.32 compared with 1.86 +/- 0.41; P < 0.05), respiratory quotient (0.84 +/- 0.02 compared with 0.88 +/- 0.03; P < 0.0005), and hunger were significantly lower during the HP diet. There was a tendency for a greater 24-h EE during the HP diet (P = 0.05). Although energy intake was not significantly different between the diet groups, the subjects were in energy balance during the HP diet and in positive energy balance during the AP diet. Satiety was related to 24-h protein intake (r2 = 0.49, P < 0.05) only during the HP diet. Ghrelin concentrations were not significantly different between diets. GLP-1 concentrations after dinner were higher during the HP than during the AP diet (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An HP diet, compared with an AP diet, fed at energy balance for 4 d increased 24-h satiety, thermogenesis, sleeping metabolic rate, protein balance, and fat oxidation. Satiety was related to protein intake, and incidentally to ghrelin and GLP-1 concentrations, only during the HP diet.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Determinants of overweight in a cohort of Dutch children.

BACKGROUND: To improve the effective prevention and treatment of obesity, it is important to focus on body weight (BW) development and its determinants during childhood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of early development, parental and genetic variables, and behavioral determinants on overweight at 12 y. DESIGN: In a Dutch cohort of 105 children, anthropometric measurements were conducted from birth until age 7 y. At age 12 y, anthropometric measurements were obtained again, as were measurements of body composition, leptin concentration, 3 polymorphisms, and physical activity, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire was conducted. In addition, parental body mass indexes (BMIs, in kg/m2) and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores were determined. RESULTS: The children's mean (+/-SD) BMI at 12 y was 19.0 +/- 2.6, and 15.2% were classified as overweight. From the first year of life, BMI tracked significantly with BMI at age 12 y (r = 0.24, P < 0.05). Linear regression analyses showed that a rapid increase in BW during the first year of life, a high BMI of the father, and a high dietary restraint score of the mother were significantly associated with overweight at age 12 y (P < 0.05). No significant genetic relation was observed. In addition, overweight was positively associated with dietary restraint of the child, and percentage body fat was negatively associated with the child's activity score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this homogeneous cohort of normal-weight to moderately overweight children, tracking of BMI during childhood took place from the first year of life. Overweight at age 12 y was predicted by an early rapid increase in BW and parental influences. Overweight during childhood may be maintained or even promoted by a high dietary restraint score and low physical activity.

Body Composition↗

PubMed2005

Protein intake and body-weight regulation.

Body-weight management requires a multi-factorial approach. Recent findings suggest that an elevated protein intake seems to play such a key role in body-weight management, through (i) increased satiety related to increased diet-induced thermogenesis, (ii) its effect on thermogenesis, (iii) body composition, and (iv) decreased energy-efficiency. Supported by these mechanisms a relatively larger weight loss and stronger body-weight maintenance thereafter have been observed.

Body Composition↗

PubMed2005

Body weight loss and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea supplementation.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the effect of a green tea-caffeine mixture on weight maintenance after body weight loss in moderately obese subjects in relation to habitual caffeine intake. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A randomized placebo-controlled double blind parallel trial in 76 overweight and moderately obese subjects, (BMI, 27.5 +/- 2.7 kg/m2) matched for sex, age, BMI, height, body mass, and habitual caffeine intake was conducted. A very low energy diet intervention during 4 weeks was followed by 3 months of weight maintenance (WM); during the WM period, the subjects received a green tea-caffeine mixture (270 mg epigallocatechin gallate + 150 mg caffeine per day) or placebo. RESULTS: Subjects lost 5.9 +/-1.8 (SD) kg (7.0 +/- 2.1%) of body weight (p < 0.001). At baseline, satiety was positively, and in women, leptin was inversely, related to subjects' habitual caffeine consumption (p < 0.01). High caffeine consumers reduced weight, fat mass, and waist circumference more than low caffeine consumers; resting energy expenditure was reduced less and respiratory quotient was reduced more during weight loss (p < 0.01). In the low caffeine consumers, during WM, green tea still reduced body weight, waist, respiratory quotient and body fat, whereas resting energy expenditure was increased compared with a restoration of these variables with placebo (p < 0.01). In the high caffeine consumers, no effects of the green tea-caffeine mixture were observed during WM. DISCUSSION: High caffeine intake was associated with weight loss through thermogenesis and fat oxidation and with suppressed leptin in women. In habitual low caffeine consumers, the green tea-caffeine mixture improved WM, partly through thermogenesis and fat oxidation.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Predictors of long-term weight maintenance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate available variables of a long-term weight maintenance study to investigate possible factors predisposing to weight regain after a period of weight loss. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The Maastricht Weight Maintenance Study is an ongoing longitudinal study of healthy men and women (29 men and 62 women; 18 to 65 years of age; BMI = 30.2 +/- 3.1 kg/m(2)). A variety of parameters were measured before and after a very-low-energy diet and after a follow-up of at least 2 years. RESULTS: Mean weight loss was 7.9 +/- 3.6 kg, and percent weight regain was 113.8 +/- 98.1%. Percent BMI regain was negatively associated with an increase in dietary restraint (r = -0.47, p < 0.05). Percent weight regain was negatively correlated with baseline resting metabolic rate (r = -0.38, p = 0.01) and baseline fat mass (r = -0.24, p = 0.05) and positively correlated with the magnitude of change in body weight (BW) expressed as maximum amplitude of BW (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). In addition, amplitude of BW was positively correlated with the frequency of dieting (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The best predictors for weight maintenance after weight loss were an increase in dietary restraint during weight loss, a high baseline resting metabolic rate, a relatively high baseline fat mass favoring a fat-free mass-sparing effect during weight loss, a rather stable BW, and a low frequency of dieting. Therefore, BW maintenance after BW loss seems to be a multifactorial issue, including mechanisms that regulate an individuals' energy expenditure, body composition, and eating behavior in such a way that energy homeostasis is maintained.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Decreased glucagon-like peptide 1 release after weight loss in overweight/obese subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release seems to be attenuated in obese subjects. Results on whether weight loss improves GLP-1 release are contradictory. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effect of weight loss on basal and postprandial GLP-1 release in overweight/obese subjects. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two overweight/obese subjects participated in a repeated measurement design before (BMI, 30.3 +/- 2.8 kg/m2; waist circumference, 92.6 +/- 7.8 cm; hip circumference, 111.1 +/- 7.4 cm) and after a weight loss period of 6 weeks (BMI, 28.2 +/- 2.7 kg/m2; waist circumference, 85.5 +/- 8.5 cm; hip circumference, 102.1 +/- 9.2 cm). During weight loss, subjects received a very-low-calorie diet (Optifast) to replace three meals per day. Subjects came to the laboratory fasted, and after a baseline blood sample, received a standard breakfast (1.9 MJ). Postprandially, blood samples were taken every one-half hour relative to intake for 120 minutes to determine GLP-1, insulin, glucose, and free fatty acids from plasma. Appetite ratings were obtained with visual analog scales. RESULTS: After weight loss, postprandial GLP-1 concentrations at 30 and 60 minutes were significantly lower than before weight loss (p < 0.05). Glucose concentrations were also lower, and free fatty acids were higher compared with before weight loss. Ratings of satiety were increased, and hunger scores were decreased after weight loss (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: In overweight/obese subjects, GLP-1 concentrations after weight loss were decreased compared with before weight loss, and nutrient-related stimulation was abolished. This might be a response to a proceeding negative energy balance. Satiety and GLP-1 seem to be unrelated in the long term.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Additional protein intake limits weight regain after weight loss in humans.

Since long-term weight maintenance (WM) is a major problem, interventions to improve WM are needed. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the addition of protein to the diet might limit weight regain after a weight loss of 5-10 % in overweight subjects. In a randomised parallel study design, 113 overweight subjects (BMI 29.3 (SD 2.5) kg/m2); age 45.1 (SD 10.4) years) followed a very-low-energy diet for 4 weeks, after which there was a 6-month period of WM. During WM, subjects were randomised into either a protein group or a control group. The protein group received 30 g/d protein in addition to their own usual diet. During the very-low-energy diet, no differences were observed between the groups. During WM, the protein group showed a higher protein intake (18 % v. 15 %; P<0.05), a lower weight regain (0.8 v. 3.0 kg; P<0.05), a decreased waist circumference (-1.2 (SD 0.7) v. 0.5 (SD 0.5 ) cm; P<0.05) and a smaller increase in respiratory quotient (0.03 (SD 0.01) v. 0.07 0.01; (SD/)P <0.05) compared with the control group. Weight regain in the protein group consisted of only fat-free mass, whereas the control group gained fat mass as well. Satiety in the fasted state before breakfast increased significantly more in the protein group than in the control group. After 6 months follow-up, body weight showed a significant group x time interaction. A protein intake of 18 % compared with 15 % resulted in improved WM in overweight subjects after a weight loss of 7.5 %. This improved WM implied several factors, i.e. improved body composition, fat distribution, substrate oxidation and satiety.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Glucagon-like peptide-1 release and satiety after a nutrient challenge in normal-weight and obese subjects.

The present study was conducted to assess whether glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release and appetite after a breakfast with or without an additional galactose/guar gum stimulation is different in normal-weight compared with overweight/obese subjects. Twenty-eight overweight/obese (BMI 30.3 (sd 2.7) kg/m2; age 44.3 (sd 9.7) years) and thirty normal-weight subjects (BMI 22.8 (sd 1.4), age 31.5 (sd12.8) years) participated in a crossover study. Fasting and postprandial plasma GLP-1, insulin, glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were measured in response to either a galactose (50 g)/guar gum (2.5 g) load (836 kJ) and a standard breakfast (1.9 MJ; GG), or water (250 ml) and the standard breakfast (W) every 30 min relative to the ingestion for 120 min. Appetite was assessed using 100 mm visual analogue scales. GLP-1 concentrations were significantly increased after GG at 30 and 60 min compared with W in both groups. Plasma GLP-1 concentrations in the W condition were higher in normal-weight than overweight/obese subjects (P=0.03). No difference was observed in the GG condition between groups. Satiety was increased in normal-weight compared with overweight/obese subjects in the GG condition at 30 (P=0.02) and 60 (P=0.04) min. We conclude that after a standard breakfast with water, GLP-1 release was lower in the overweight/obese than the normal-weight subjects. However, postprandial GLP-1 release in overweight/obese subjects was no different from that of normal-weight subjects when galactose/guar gum was added to the breakfast. The latter was not mirrored by subjective feelings of satiety. Disturbed perception of the physiological feedback of a satiety hormone rather than disturbed feedback itself might contribute to obesity.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effect of green tea on resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during weight loss in overweight females.

We assessed the effect of ingestion of green tea (GT) extract along with a low-energy diet (LED) on resting energy expenditure (REE), substrate oxidation and body weight as GT has been shown to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation in the short term in both animals and people. Forty-six overweight women (BMI 27.6 (sd 1.8) kg/m2) were fed in energy balance from day 1 to day 3, followed by a LED with GT (1125 mg tea catechins +225 mg caffeine/d) or placebo (PLAC) from day 4 to day 87. Caffeine intake was standardised to 300 mg/d. Energy expenditure was measured on days 4 and 32. Reductions in weight (4.19 (sd 2.0) kg PLAC, 4.21 (sd 2.7) kg GT), BMI, waist:hip ratio, fat mass and fat-free mass were not statistically different between treatments. REE as a function of fat-free mass and fat mass was significantly reduced over 32 d in the PLAC group (P<0.05) but not in the GT group. Dietary restraint increased over time (P<0.001) in both groups, whereas disinhibition and general hunger decreased (P<0.05). The GT group became more hungry over time and less thirsty, and showed increased prospective food consumption compared with PLAC (P<0.05). Taken together, the ingestion of GT along with a LED had no additional benefit for any measures of body weight or body composition. Although the decrease in REE as a function of fat-free mass and fat mass was not significant with GT treatment, whereas it was with PLAC treatment, no significant effect of treatment over time was seen, suggesting that a robust limitation of REE reduction during a LED was not achieved by GT.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Relation of weight maintenance and dietary restraint to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2, glucocorticoid receptor, and ciliary neurotrophic factor polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variation in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2), glucocorticoid receptor (GRL), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) genes may play a role in the etiology of obesity. OBJECTIVE: We examined biological, psychological, and genetic determinants associated with weight maintenance (WM) after weight loss. DESIGN: Subjects (n = 120) followed a 6-wk diet and then a 1-y period of WM. Body weight (BW), body composition, leptin concentration, attitude toward eating (measured with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), physical activity, and the polymorphisms of the PPARgamma2, GRL, and CNTF genes were measured. RESULTS: BW loss was 7.0 +/- 3.1 kg. After 1 y, 21 subjects showed successful WM (<10% regain); 99 were unsuccessful (> or =10% regain). Compared with unsuccessful subjects, successful subjects had a higher increase in dietary restraint over time (4.8 +/- 5.0 and 1.8 +/- 3.9, respectively; P < 0.01) but significantly less sensation of general hunger (-4.0 +/- 4.9 and -1.2 +/- 2.7, respectively; P < 0.05). Successful subjects had a significantly different frequency distribution for the PPARgamma2 (P = 0.05) and GRL (P < 0.05) genes than did unsuccessful subjects. The more successful genotypes showed a higher baseline body mass index and waist circumference (PPARgamma2), a greater decrease in disinhibition of dietary restraint (GRL), and less sensation of hunger (GRL). The G/G genotype (GRL) was an independent predictor of successful WM. CONCLUSION: The different genotypes of the PPARgamma2 and GRL genes contribute to WM, either directly (GRL) or indirectly (PPARgamma2 and GRL) via baseline body mass index and waist circumference, and to changes in Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Activity-induced GLP-1 release in lean and obese subjects.

The aim of the study was to determine whether physical activity stimulates GLP-1 release on the short-term in normal weight and in obese subjects compared to rest and, furthermore, whether modest weight loss affects GLP-1 release or sensitivity in the obese. Normal weight (n=28; 12 males, 16 females; BMI 22.9+/-1.4; age 35+/-12.7), as well as obese subjects (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; BMI 30.9+/-2.7; age 47.1+/-11.86) were tested in a resting and a physical activity condition. Obese subjects were matched over two groups for a weight loss period of 3 months. After weight loss, the tests were repeated. The area under the curve (AUC pmol/lxmin) for GLP-1 concentrations was significantly increased in the physical activity condition compared to rest in lean subjects (P=0.05) as well as in the obese subjects after weight loss (P<0.05), but not in the obese subjects before weight loss. Physical activity-stimulated GLP-1 release in lean and obese subjects after a weight loss period supports the idea of a neuroendocrine loop in addition to distal-intestinal stimulation of GLP-1 release. Modest weight loss might be effective for increasing GLP-1 sensitivity to acute stimulation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effects of green tea on weight maintenance after body-weight loss.

The present study was conducted to investigate whether green tea may improve weight maintenance by preventing or limiting weight regain after weight loss of 5 to 10 % in overweight and moderately obese subjects. The study had a randomised, parallel, placebo-controlled design. A total of 104 overweight and moderately obese male and female subjects (age 18-60 years; BMI 25-35 kg/m(2)) participated. The study consisted of a very-low-energy diet intervention (VLED; 2.1 MJ/d) of 4 weeks followed by a weight-maintenance period of 13 weeks in which the subjects received green tea or placebo. The green tea contained caffeine (104 mg/d) and catechins (573 mg/d, of which 323 mg was epigallocatechin gallate). Subjects lost 6.4 (sd 1.9) kg or 7.5 (sd 2.2) % of their original body weight during the VLED (P<0.001). Body-weight regain was not significantly different between the green tea and the placebo group (30.5 (sd 61.8) % and 19.7 (sd 56.9) %, respectively). In the green tea treatment, habitual high caffeine consumption was associated with a higher weight regain compared with habitual low caffeine consumption (39 (sd 17) and 16 (sd 11) %, respectively; P<0.05). We conclude that weight maintenance after 7.5 % body-weight loss was not affected by green tea treatment and that habitual caffeine consumption affected weight maintenance in the green tea treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Satellite of the Congress of the Society of the Study of Ingestive Behaviour, Maastricht, the Netherlands. Control of food intake in man.

The Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour meets each year to discuss and highlight recent developments in our understanding of all aspects of controls of eating and drinking. The aim of this satellite was to focus on key issues in human food intake control: palatability, central and peripheral signalling, dietary restraint, macronutrients, energy density, heritability and the significance of animal models for research in man, and to bring together researchers approaching these issues from different perspectives. The presentations including live discussions are reflected in the following papers.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The utility of animal models of human energy homeostasis.

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.

Animals↗