$Unique_ID{BRK00219}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Facts About Brown Fat and Obesity}
$Subject{brown fat obesity weight Subcutaneous Tissue adipose energy calories
Hormones insulin epinephrine sympathetic nervous system}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Facts About Brown Fat and Obesity


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QUESTION:  Sometime ago you answered a question about brown fat and obesity.
Every time I bring it up in discussions with friends, they laugh and ask for
more information.  However, I can't find anything written about it.  You will
have to do better, Dr. Bruckheim; please tell us more.

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ANSWER:  You are not the only one who has written requesting additional
information.  Obesity and its control continues to rank high on the health
priority of many Americans.  And, since the story is an interesting one, here
goes:
     In December, 1984, Dr. Jean Himms-Hagen of the Department of
Biochemistry, University of Ottawa, Canada, published and article in the New
England Journal of Medicine which discussed the role of brown adipose tissue
(brown fat) in the production of heat and the use of energy in rats.  Brown
fat differs from white fat in its structure and location in the body, and is a
large contributor to the manner in which energy is burned by the body.  As
more energy is burned, more calories derived from food are used, and weight
control is enhanced.  Normally, this type of tissue represents only one to
three percent of total body weight in humans.  However we all know of friends
who can eat larger quantities of food without weight gain, while others
restrict their food intake yet still put on the pounds.  One of the possible
answers that this research provides is that individuals with more brown fat in
their make up are the ones who can take greater liberties with diet and food
consumption without the weight gain most of us experience.  Hormones such as
insulin and epinephrine play a an important role in this action of brown fat,
and the manner of action may be under control of the sympathetic nervous
system.  Unfortunately there is no way yet discovered that can increase the
amount of brown fat in our bodies, and more research is needed to fully
explain this phenomenon.  I trust this information will satisfy the curiosity
of you and your friends.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.