Aging and Obesity Physical inactivity leads to insulin resistance and therefore higher levels of glucose in the blood, which is acted upon by insulin and converted into fat for storage in adipose tissue. This is just the beginning of the story. It was supposed to be a reservoir of energy to protect us from starvation during periods of famine. Adipose tissue is now proven to be an endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secretes bioactive peptides, termed 'adipokines', which act locally and distally through autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects. In obesity, increased production of most adipokines impacts on multiple functions such as appetite and energy balance, immunity, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis, blood pressure, lipid metabolism and haemostasis, all of which are linked with cardiovascular disease. [1] There is an increased accumulation of fat tissue with subsequent increase of insulin level, insulin resistance and decrease of testosterone level in aging males. Obesity among aging males is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism. All above factors correlate with decreased serum levels of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin as well as increased ratio estradiol/testosterone ratio.[2] The link between Obesity and Aging may be far more complex than previously imagined. Until the discovery of the endocrine nature of Adipose Tissue, tackling obesity was considered an issue of maintaining a negative calorie balance. Various fad diets were touted as remedies for obesity, but the results were always temporary and disappointing. Large intervals between meals seem to trigger the 'starvation mode' and reduce the metabolic rate further. Subsequent feeding leads to greater storage of glucose in the liver and conversion to fat for storage in adipose tissue. Inflammatory chemical mediators play a major role indicating that obesity may be an inflammatory condition leading to chronic activation of the innate immune system, which ultimately causes progressive impairment of glucose tolerance and eventually type 2 diabetes. Aging may have effects on the Thyroid hormone which regulates the rate at which we burn energy. Aging may affect growth hormone which is involved in muscle tissue repair and growth. Aerobic and resistance exercises improve insulin sensitivity, increase the basal metabolic rate, have positive effects on Testosterone and Growth Hormone, improve muscle strength and size. Exercise also improves Nitric Oxide in the endothelium, thereby reducing Cardiovascular risk. As per available evidence, regular aerobic and resistance exercises combined with low saturated fat and restricted calorie diet, is the key to control obesity associated with aging. Fight Aging and Stay Young ! References: 1. Tiziana R et al, Clin Endocrinol. 2006;64(4):355-365. 2. Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 2005; 19(113):634-7 Fight Aging Site team has taken maximum care to ensure that the information is authentic. The information has been extracted from published medical trials and text books. The information is not meant to substitute a Physicians advice, nor is it meant to treat any disease. Members are advised to consult a Physician, Dietician, Physiotherapist or Trainer before taking medication or commencing an exercise program. Source: FightAgingSite.com

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