The neuroscience of metabolism

The neuroscience of metabolism Given that the brain can detect and respond to changing levels of body fat and blood sugar, Michael W. Schwartz, MD from the University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, explains how the brain can be targeted to treat obesity and diabetes. Until recently, obesity was perceived even in medical circles as a personal failing characterized by a lack of willpower. However, as more is learned about the biological system known as ‘energy homeostasis,’ this perception is changing. Controlled primarily by the brain, energy homeostasis works by matching energy intake to energy expenditure over long time intervals. The net effect is that body weight and fat mass are maintained within narrow limits. Should fat mass deviate from this weight, adaptive responses are engaged to return fat stores to their previous, biologically defended level.