Skip to main content

Principles of Energy Homeostasis

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Mammals have evolved complex mechanisms to obtain energy from food; store excess energy in the forms of glycogen, fat, and protein; and utilize energy efficiently for vital functions. Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. While obesity treatment is mostly focused on reducing food intake, studies suggest that increasing energy expenditure through physical activity and adaptive thermogenesis is an important strategy for weight loss and maintenance of health. This chapter will describe fundamental concepts of bioenergetics and provide a framework for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of metabolic syndrome.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahima RS. Digging deeper into obesity. J Clin Invest. 2011;121(6):2076-2079. doi: 10.1x172/JCI58719.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amatruda JM, Statt MC, Welle SL. Total and resting energy expenditure in obese women reduced to ideal body weight. J Clin Invest. 1993;92(3):1236-1242. doi:10.1172/JCI116695.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Astrup A. Thermogenesis in human brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle induced by sympathomimetic stimulation. Acta Endocrinol Suppl. 1986;278:1-32.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Astrup A, Bulow J, Madsen J, et al. Contribution of BAT and skeletal muscle to thermogenesis induced by ephedrine in man. Am J Physiol. 1985;248(5 Pt 1):E507-515.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Astrup A, Gotzsche PC, van de Werken K, et al. Meta-analysis of resting metabolic rate in formerly obese subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1117-1122.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baba S, Tatsumi M, Ishimori T, et al. Effect of nicotine and ephedrine on the accumulation of 18F-FDG in brown adipose tissue. J Nucl Med. 2007;48(6):981-986. doi:10.2967/jnumed.106.039065.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bal NC, Maurya SK, Sopariwala DH, et al. Sarcolipin is a newly identified regulator of muscle-based thermogenesis in mammals. Nat Med. 2012;18(10):1575-1579. doi:10.1038/nm.2897.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Batsis JA, Mackenzie TA, Barre LK, et al. Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and mortality in older adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014;68(9):1001-1007. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2014.117.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bogardus C, Lillioja S, Ravussin E, et al. Familial dependence of the resting metabolic rate. N Engl J Med. 1986;315(2):96-100. doi:10.1056/NEJM198607103150205.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bosy-Westphal A, Eichhorn C, Kutzner D, et al. The age-related decline in resting energy expenditure in humans is due to the loss of fat-free mass and to alterations in its metabolically active components. J Nutr. 2003;133(7):2356-2362.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bosy-Westphal A, Reinecke U, Schlorke T, et al. Effect of organ and tissue masses on resting energy expenditure in underweight, normal weight and obese adults. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004;28(1):72-79. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802526.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard C, Tremblay A, Nadeau A, et al. Genetic effect in resting and exercise metabolic rates. Metab Clin Exper. 1989;38(4):364-370.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard C, Tremblay A, Despres JP, et al. The response to long-term overfeeding in identical twins. N Engl J Med. 1990;322(21):1477-1482. doi:10.1056/NEJM199005243222101.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brundin T, Thorne A, Wahren J. Heat leakage across the abdominal wall and meal-induced thermogenesis in normal-weight and obese subjects. Metab Clin Exper. 1992;41(1):49-55.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Caleyachetty R, Echouffo-Tcheugui JB, Tait CA, et al. Prevalence of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries: an individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015;3(7):535-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00076-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cypess AM, Lehman S, Williams G, et al. Identification and importance of brown adipose tissue in adult humans. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(15):1509-1517. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0810780.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eckel RH, Kahn SE, Ferrannini E, et al. Obesity and type 2 diabetes: what can be unified and what needs to be individualized? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(6):1654-1663. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0585.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elia M, Cummings JH. Physiological aspects of energy metabolism and gastrointestinal effects of carbohydrates. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007;61(Suppl 1):S40-74. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602938.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Enerback S, Jacobsson A, Simpson EM, et al. Mice lacking mitochondrial uncoupling protein are cold-sensitive but not obese. Nature. 1997;387(6628):90-94. doi:10.1038/387090a0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • FAO. Human energy requirements: report of a joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. Food Nutr Bull. 2005;26(1):166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldmann HM, Golozoubova V, Cannon B, et al. UCP1 ablation induces obesity and abolishes diet-induced thermogenesis in mice exempt from thermal stress by living at thermoneutrality. Cell Metab. 2009;9(2):203-209. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2008.12.014.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flatt JP, Ravussin E, Acheson KJ, et al. Effects of dietary fat on postprandial substrate oxidation and on carbohydrate and fat balances. J Clin Invest. 1985;76(3):1019-1024. doi:10.1172/JCI112054.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frayn KN. Adipose tissue as a buffer for daily lipid flux. Diabetologia. 2002;45(9):1201-1210. doi:10.1007/s00125-002-0873-y.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Golozoubova V, Hohtola E, Matthias A, et al. Only UCP1 can mediate adaptive nonshivering thermogenesis in the cold. FASEB J. 2001;15(11):2048-2050. doi:10.1096/fj.00-0536fje.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Green DE, Zande HD. Universal energy principle of biological systems and the unity of bioenergetics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1981;78(9):5344-5347.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harms M, Seale P. Brown and beige fat: development, function and therapeutic potential. Nat Med. 2013;19(10):1252-1263. doi:10.1038/nm.3361.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harper ME, Green K, Brand MD. The efficiency of cellular energy transduction and its implications for obesity. Annu Rev Nutr. 2008;28:13-33. doi:10.1146/annurev.nutr.28.061807.155357.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hill JO, Peters JC, Reed GW, et al. Nutrient balance in humans: effects of diet composition. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;54(1):10-17.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hill JO, Wyatt HR, Peters JC. Energy balance and obesity. Circulation. 2012;126(1):126-132. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.087213.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jequier E, Acheson K, Schutz Y. Assessment of energy expenditure and fuel utilization in man. Annu Rev Nutr. 1987;7:187-208. doi:10.1146/annurev.nu.07.070187.001155.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johannsen DL, Ravussin E. Spontaneous physical activity: relationship between fidgeting and body weight control. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2008;15(5):409-415. doi:10.1097/MED.0b013e32830b10bb.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnstone AM, Murison SD, Duncan JS, et al. Factors influencing variation in basal metabolic rate include fat-free mass, fat mass, age, and circulating thyroxine but not sex, circulating leptin, or triiodothyronine. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;82(5):941-948.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Joint WHOFAOUNUEC. Protein and amino acid requirements in human nutrition. World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2007;935:1-265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keys A, Taylor HL, Grande F. Basal metabolism and age of adult man. Metab Clin Exp. 1973;22(4):579-587.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim TN, Choi KM. The implications of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity on cardiometabolic disease. J Cell Biochem. 2015;116(7):1171-1178. doi:10.1002/jcb.25077.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kontani Y, Wang Y, Kimura K, et al. UCP1 deficiency increases susceptibility to diet-induced obesity with age. Aging Cell. 2005;4(3):147-155. doi:10.1111/j.1474-9726.2005.00157.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kopecky J, Clarke G, Enerback S, et al. Expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein gene from the aP2 gene promoter prevents genetic obesity. J Clin Invest. 1995;96(6):2914-2923. doi:10.1172/JCI118363.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kummitha CM, Kalhan SC, Saidel GM, et al. Catheter-based induction of renal ischemia/reperfusion in swine: description of an experimental model. Physiol Rep. 2014;2(9):pii: e121590.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larson DE, Ferraro RT, Robertson DS, et al. Energy metabolism in weight-stable postobese individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(4):735-739.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leibel RL, Rosenbaum M, Hirsch J. Changes in energy expenditure resulting from altered body weight. N Engl J Med. 1995;332(10):621-628. doi:10.1056/NEJM199503093321001.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levine JA, Eberhardt NL, Jensen MD. Role of nonexercise activity thermogenesis in resistance to fat gain in humans. Science. 1999;283(5399):212-214.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin J, Wu H, Tarr PT, et al. Transcriptional co-activator PGC-1 alpha drives the formation of slow-twitch muscle fibres. Nature. 2002;418(6899):797-801. doi:10.1038/nature00904.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Livesey G, Elia M. Estimation of energy expenditure, net carbohydrate utilization, and net fat oxidation and synthesis by indirect calorimetry: evaluation of errors with special reference to the detailed composition of fuels. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;47(4):608-628.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Locke AE, Kahali B, Berndt SI, et al. Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology. Nature. 2015;518(7538):197-206. doi:10.1038/nature14177.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Loos RJ, Bouchard C. FTO: the first gene contributing to common forms of human obesity. Obes Rev. 2008;9(3):246-250. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2008.00481.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Loos RJ, Lindgren CM, Li S, et al. Common variants near MC4R are associated with fat mass, weight and risk of obesity. Nature genetics. 2008;40(6):768-775. doi:10.1038/ng.140.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maurya SK, Bal NC, Sopariwala DH, et al. Sarcolipin is a key determinant of the basal metabolic rate, and its overexpression enhances energy expenditure and resistance against diet-induced obesity. J Biol Chem. 2015;290(17):10840-10849. doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.636878.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Plasqui G, Bonomi AG, Westerterp KR. Daily physical activity assessment with accelerometers: new insights and validation studies. Obes Rev. 2013;14(6):451-462. doi:10.1111/obr.12021.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puigserver P, Wu Z, Park CW, et al. A cold-inducible coactivator of nuclear receptors linked to adaptive thermogenesis. Cell. 1998;92(6):829-839.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ravussin E, Lillioja S, Anderson TE, et al. Determinants of 24-hour energy expenditure in man. Methods and results using a respiratory chamber. J Clin Invest. 1986;78(6):1568-1578. doi:10.1172/JCI112749.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ravussin E, Lillioja S, Knowler WC, et al. Reduced rate of energy expenditure as a risk factor for body-weight gain. N Engl J Med. 1988;318(8):467-472. doi:10.1056/NEJM198802253180802.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ravussin E, Harper IT, Rising R, et al. Energy expenditure by doubly labeled water: validation in lean and obese subjects. Am J Physiol. 1991;261(3 Pt 1):E402-409.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Redman LM, Heilbronn LK, Martin CK, et al. Metabolic and behavioral compensations in response to caloric restriction: implications for the maintenance of weight loss. PLoS One. 2009;4(2), e4377. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004377.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rising R, Keys A, Ravussin E, et al. Concomitant interindividual variation in body temperature and metabolic rate. Am J Physiol. 1992;263(4 Pt 1):E730-734.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rolfe DF, Brown GC. Cellular energy utilization and molecular origin of standard metabolic rate in mammals. Physiol Rev. 1997;77(3):731-758.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenbaum M, Goldsmith R, Bloomfield D, et al. Low-dose leptin reverses skeletal muscle, autonomic, and neuroendocrine adaptations to maintenance of reduced weight. J Clin Invest. 2005;115(12):3579-3586. doi:10.1172/JCI25977.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saad MF, Alger SA, Zurlo F, et al. Ethnic differences in sympathetic nervous system-mediated energy expenditure. Am J Physiol. 1991;261(6 Pt 1):E789-794.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saito M, Okamatsu-Ogura Y, Matsushita M, et al. High incidence of metabolically active brown adipose tissue in healthy adult humans: effects of cold exposure and adiposity. Diabetes. 2009;58(7):1526-1531. doi:10.2337/db09-0530.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schoeller DA. Recent advances from application of doubly labeled water to measurement of human energy expenditure. J Nutr. 1999;129(10):1765-1768.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz LO, Schoeller DA. A compilation of total daily energy expenditures and body weights in healthy adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;60(5):676-681.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shekelle PG, Hardy ML, Morton SC, et al. Efficacy and safety of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2003;289(12):1537-1545. doi:10.1001/jama.289.12.1537.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sims EA, Danforth E Jr, Horton ES, et al. Endocrine and metabolic effects of experimental obesity in man. Recent Prog Horm Res. 1973;29:457-496.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith SR, de Jonge L, Zachwieja JJ, et al. Fat and carbohydrate balances during adaptation to a high-fat. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(2):450-457.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Speakman JR. The history and theory of the doubly labeled water technique. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(4):932S-938S.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spiller RC. Intestinal absorptive function. Gut. 1994;35(1 Suppl):S5-9.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spraul M, Ravussin E, Fontvieille AM, et al. Reduced sympathetic nervous activity. A potential mechanism predisposing to body weight gain. J Clin Invest. 1993;92(4):1730-1735. doi:10.1172/JCI116760.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swinburn BA, Sacks G, Hall KD, et al. The global obesity pandemic: shaped by global drivers and local environments. Lancet. 2011;378(9793):804-814. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60813-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tataranni PA, Larson DE, Snitker S, et al. Thermic effect of food in humans: methods and results from use of a respiratory chamber. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;61(5):1013-1019.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tataranni PA, Young JB, Bogardus C, et al. A low sympathoadrenal activity is associated with body weight gain and development of central adiposity in Pima Indian men. Obes Res. 1997;5(4):341-347.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Marken Lichtenbelt WD, Vanhommerig JW, Smulders NM, et al. Cold-activated brown adipose tissue in healthy men. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(15):1500-1508. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0808718.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Ooijen AM, van Marken Lichtenbelt WD, van Steenhoven AA, et al. Cold-induced heat production preceding shivering. Br J Nutr. 2005;93(3):387-391.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Villablanca PA, Alegria JR, Mookadam F, et al. Nonexercise activity thermogenesis in obesity management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(4):509-519. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.02.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Virtanen KA, Lidell ME, Orava J, et al. Functional brown adipose tissue in healthy adults. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(15):1518-1525. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0808949.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vybiral S, Lesna I, Jansky L, et al. Thermoregulation in winter swimmers and physiological significance of human catecholamine thermogenesis. Exp Physiol. 2000;85(3):321-326.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Westerterp KR, Speakman JR. Physical activity energy expenditure has not declined since the 1980s and matches energy expenditures of wild mammals. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008;32(8):1256-1263. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.74.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weststrate JA. Resting metabolic rate and diet-induced thermogenesis: a methodological reappraisal. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993;58(5):592-601.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weyer C, Tataranni PA, Snitker S, et al. Increase in insulin action and fat oxidation after treatment with CL 316,243, a highly selective beta3-adrenoceptor agonist in humans. Diabetes. 1998;47(10):1555-1561.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weyer C, Pratley RE, Salbe AD, et al. Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and body weight regulation: a study of metabolic adaptation to long-term weight change. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(3):1087-1094. doi:10.1210/jcem.85.3.6447.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wijers SL, Schrauwen P, Saris WH, et al. Human skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling is associated with cold induced adaptive thermogenesis. PLoS One. 2008;3(3), e1777. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001777.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zingaretti MC, Crosta F, Vitali A, et al. The presence of UCP1 demonstrates that metabolically active adipose tissue in the neck of adult humans truly represents brown adipose tissue. FASEB J. 2009;23(9):3113-3120. doi:10.1096/fj.09-133546.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zurlo F, Ferraro RT, Fontvielle AM, et al. Spontaneous physical activity and obesity: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Pima Indians. Am J Physiol. 1992;263(2 Pt 1):E296-300.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

This work is supported by grant P01-DK-049210 from the National Institutes of Health, USA.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rexford S. Ahima .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this entry

Cite this entry

Ahima, R.S. (2016). Principles of Energy Homeostasis. In: Ahima, R.S. (eds) Metabolic Syndrome. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11251-0_48

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11251-0_48

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-11250-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-11251-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics