Physiological Mechanisms Impacting Weight Regulation

Abstract

The regulation of body weight is a balance between food intake and energy expenditure, where excess calories are stored as extra pounds and a deficit between intake and expenditure results in weight loss. This chapter serves as a link between the treatment literature that might be recommended at a clinic, and the physiologic mechanisms underlying weight regulation. With this end in mind, we have chosen to present the chapter in two parts—with the first looking at the control of energy expenditure and the second looking at the physiology of appetite regulation. The section on control of energy expenditure will focus on a distinct aspect of physical activity—spontaneous free-living energy expenditure—and attempt to answer the basic question of why it is so hard for some people to be physically active. The section on the physiology of appetite regulation will focus on signaling pathways (both neural-peptides and hormones) originating from three distinct regions: (a) adipose tissue, (b) gastrointestinal system and pancreas, and (c) the central nervous system. After reading this chapter on the 'physiological mechanisms impacting weight regulation,' it is our hope that mental health professionals can then knowledgeably apply the treatment literature to achieve for the greatest effect for their clients. As a result of reading this chapter, it is our hope that some principles underlying the previously described prevention programs (see record [rid]2008-02220-004[/rid]) will be more meaningful, consequently giving psychologists a greater understanding of why some programs should be more effective than others or why it is more difficult for some children to lose weight than others. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)