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APPETITE, OBESITY, DIGESTION, AND METABOLISM

Modest weight gain is associated with sympathetic neural activation in nonobese humans

Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia

Submitted 15 December 2006 ; accepted in final form 6 January 2007

We tested the hypothesis that modest, overfeeding-induced weight gain would increase sympathetic neural activity in nonobese humans. Twelve healthy males (23 ± 2 years; body mass index, 23.8 ± 0.7) were overfed 1,000 kcal/day until a 5-kg weight gain was achieved. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, microneurography), blood pressure, body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), and abdominal fat distribution (computed tomography) were measured at baseline and following 4 wk of weight stability at each individual's elevated body weight. Overfeeding increased body weight (73.5 ± 3.1 vs. 78.4 ± 3.2 kg, P < 0.001) and body fat (14.9 ± 1.2 vs. 18 ± 1.1 kg, P < 0.001) in 42 ± 8 days. Total abdominal fat increased (220 ± 22 vs. 266 ± 22 cm², P < 0.001) with weight gain, due to increases in both subcutaneous (158 ± 15 vs. 187 ± 12 cm², P < 0.001) and visceral fat (63 ± 8 vs. 79 ± 12 cm², P = 0.004). As hypothesized, weight gain elicited increases in MSNA burst frequency (32 ± 2 vs. 38 ± 2 burst/min, P = 0.002) and burst incidence (52 ± 4 vs. 59 ± 3 bursts/100 heart beats, P = 0.026). Systolic, but not diastolic blood pressure increased significantly with weight gain. The change in MSNA burst frequency was correlated with the percent increase in body weight (r = 0.59, P = 0.022), change in body fat (r = 0.52, P = 0.043) and percent change in body fat (r = 0.51, P = 0.045). The results of the current study indicate that modest diet-induced weight gain elicits sympathetic neural activation in nonobese males. These findings may have important implications for understanding the link between obesity and hypertension.

adiposity; autonomic nervous system; overfeeding

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				J. S. Orr, C. L. Gentile, B. M. Davy, and K. P. Davy Large Artery Stiffening With Weight Gain in Humans: Role of Visceral Fat Accumulation Hypertension, June 1, 2008; 51(6): 1519 - 1524. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]