Human Metabolism and

Weight Management

Outline

Metabolism basics
Body weight
Obesity
Weight management

metabolism of nutrients

Endproducts of
Energy Metabolism

Elimination
of Metabolic
Wastes:
Body Organ
System

Water

essential nutrient
Blood is 90% water
Transportation
Body temperature
Tears, synovial fluid, saliva, spinal fluid
Blood pressure

Need for Water in the Body

Compared to Intake

Hydration
Status

energy balance

energy expenditure

body weight

BMI
Ratio of weight: height
kg/m2
lb x 703 /in2
interpretation:
<18.5 = underweight
18.5-24.9 = normal
25-29.9 = overweight
30+ = obese

BMI
limitations?

BMI has not been validated in acutely ill patients.

BMI may underestimate body fat in the elderly and others who have lost
muscle mass.
BMI may overestimate body fat in individuals who have a muscular build.

Body Composition

 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Methods for Assessing Body

Composition

Bioelectric impedance analysis

Skinfold thickness
Underwater weighing
Radiologic methods

Bioelectrical

This method for better accuracy uses four electrodes placed at the wrists and ankles to monitor
the ease of passage of a mild electrical current. (Two electrodes for foot-to-foot passage are not
as accurate but are more available to consumers.)

Fat is a poor conductor of electricity; the conductivity occurs through the nonfat parts of the body.

BIA actually estimates the amount of lean body mass, and then the amount of fat is calculated
from the difference between the lean body mass and the total weight.

BIA is safe, inexpensive, easily performed, and reasonably accurate, but it is not considered
sensitive enough to detect day-to-day changes experienced by someone trying to gain or lose fat.

Hydration levels, though, may affect accuracy of the BIA readings. Other methods of assessing
fat level are triceps skinfold and midupper arm circumference, but likewise these are unable to
detect day-to-day changes.

obesity
prevalence

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults

BRFSS, 1990, 2000, 2010
(*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 54 person)
2000

1990

2010

No Data

<10%

10%14%

15%19%

20%24%

25%29%

30%

obesity
how?

obesity
what now?

obesity
Prevention
Diets? Do they work?

Lifestyle changes
loss of 5-10% total weight

Macronutrients and Weight

protein.

Highest TEF of all macronutrients

Slower gastric emptying
Stabilizes blood sugar
Preserves lean body mass

carbohydrate.

Needed for energy, especially brain

and muscle
Contains fiber, helps keep full
Stimulates insulin release
Insulin --> satiety
Insulin ---> lipogenic

fat.
Feelings of satiety and satisfaction
Lowfat = more hunger
Stimulates CCK release

macronutrient ratios.

Food Pyramid

Like FP but up to 35%

fat

Vegan

20% Pro
70% CHO
10% Fat

Zone:

10-20% Pro
50-60% CHO
30% Fat

Mediterranean Diet:

30% Pro
40% CHO
30% Fat

Atkins:

30% Pro
5% CHO
65% Fat

interpretation.
Can lose weight on any type of calorie restricted

diet
An emphasis on fat, protein and fiber increases
satiation for easier weight loss
And potentially a benefit from higher thermic effect
of food and hormonal regulation
Important to emphasize micronutrient dense foods
during periods of caloric restriction