Obesity
Description
A state characterized by excess Adipose Tissue (body fat).
The term Obesity is applied to persons who are more than 20% above their recommended body weight.
Prevalence
This table indicates (as at 1992) the percentage of the populations of various countries of the world who are regarded as Obese:
Country Males Females
These Substances Facilitate Weight Loss in Obesity Sufferers
ENDOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Hormones
Human Growth Hormone helps to prevent Obesity by inhibiting the formation of Adipose Tissue.
Neurotransmitters
Norepinephrine (NE) alleviates Obesity (by stimulating the body's Brown Adipose Tissue to burn up regular Adipose Tissue).
Prostaglandins
E1 alleviates Obesity (by stimulating the production of Brown Adipose Tissue).
Sexual Steroid Hormone Precursors
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) possesses significant anti-Obesity effects.
Pregnenolone may prevent Obesity (due to its role as a precursor for the production of DHEA) [scientific research - supplemental Pregnenolone is presently under investigation as a means of preventing Obesity].
EXOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Alkaloids
Capsaicin facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers by increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Ephedrine facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers by increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Yohimbine facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers [scientific research - humans: Yohimbine supplementation caused an average weight loss of 5.3 pounds per week in females].
Amino Acids
Arginine facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers by stimulating the Pituitary to release Human Growth Hormone.
Carnitine allows the body to use the fats stored in Adipose Tissue for Energy production.
Cysteine facilitates the body's use of Adipose Tissue as a source of Energy.
Lysine enhances Arginine's role in facilitating weight loss in Obesity sufferers.
Tyrosine reduces Adipose Tissues.
Carbohydrates - Polysaccharides
Beta 1.6 Glucan enhances weight loss in Obesity sufferers.
Glucomannans cause significant weight loss in Obesity sufferers [scientific research - humans: dosage of 3 grams per day caused significant weight loss in Obesity sufferers].
Hemicelluloses enhance weight loss in Obesity sufferers.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Sunlight facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers (by stimulating the Thyroid Gland and increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate).
Fatty Acids - Essential
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) facilitates weight loss by increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate, increasing oxidation and increasing Energy production in the body [scientific research - humans].
Linoleic Acid (LA) enhances weight loss in Obesity sufferers (by increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate).
Minerals
Chromium facilitate weight loss in Obesity sufferers (by improving the body's utilization of Glucose - due to Chromium being a component of Glucose Tolerance Factor).
Iodine facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers (where Obesity is caused by Hypothyroidism).
Magnesium facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers (due to its role in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate).
Manganese may alleviate Obesity.
Obesity can occur as a result of Phosphorus deficiency.
Organic Acids
Hydroxycitric Acid - (-HCA) facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers by preventing the conversion of excess dietary Carbohydrates to Adipose Tissue (by inhibiting the ATP-Citrate Lyase enzyme) [scientific research for 30 years at Hoffman LaRoche labs].
Quinones
Coenzyme Q10 alleviates Obesity by reducing weight (where the cause of Obesity is a Coenzyme Q10 deficiency [scientific research - humans: 60% of people who suffer from obesity are deficient in Coenzyme Q10].
Pharmaceutical Drugs
A class of drugs known as Beta-3 Agonists stimulate the production of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) in animals and are currently in the early stages of testing on humans [scientific research - Beta 3 Agonists have already been proven to stimulate the production of Brown Adipose Tissue in obese mice].
These Foods or Herbs Facilitate Weight Loss in Obesity Sufferers
Active Constituents
Apricot (juice) facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers.
Brindle
Chickweed (tea) reputedly alleviates Obesity [folklore].
Chillis increase the body's BMR by stimulating the Thyroid gland. Capsaicin
Daikon helps to dissolve hard Fat deposits embedded in the body's Tissues.
Dandelion causes Weight Loss in Obesity sufferers.
Flax Seed Oil helps the Kidneys to eliminate excess Water.
Increases the body's Basal Metabolic Rate, oxidation rate and energy production [scientific research - humans]. Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Grapefruit (juice) facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers.
Kelp alleviates Obesity where Obesity is due to Hypothyroidism (by increasing the body's Basal Metabolic Rate). Iodine
Maitake Mushrooms enhance weight loss in Obesity sufferers. Beta 1.6 Glucan
Mustard Seeds increase the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Yohimbe facilitates weight loss in Obesity sufferers [scientific research - females: Yohimbine caused an average weight loss of 5.3 pounds per week]. Yohimbine
Causes of Obesity
Energy Ingested Exceeds Energy Requirement
Excessive consumption of dietary Carbohydrates can cause Obesity - Simple Sugars such as Sucrose especially exacerbate Obesity (by substituting for dietary Fats and Adipose Tissue in the body's production of Energy).
Insufficient Exercise can lead to Obesity.
Excessive consumption of dietary Fats can cause Obesity (by substituting for Adipose Tissue in the body's production of Energy).
Obesity can be caused by the lowered Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) that results from Hypothyroidism.
Excessive Triglycerides are implicated in Obesity (due their storage as Adipose Tissue).
Metabolic Causes
People with a low ratio of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) to other types of Adipose Tissue are more prone to Obesity.
Lowered Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) can result in Obesity.
Obesity can occur as a result of the lowered Basal Metabolic Rate that occurs as a result of Hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid).
Sexual System - Female
Sudden weight gain can occur as a result of the PMT-H (Hyperhydration) form of Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) [scientific research - humans].
Obesity Aggravates or is Associated with these Ailments
Aging & Life Extension
Obese people's bodies contain more Peroxidized Fats.
Obesity suppresses the production of Human Growth Hormone.
Cardiovascular System
Obesity increases the risk of Atherosclerosis.
Upper body Obesity causes Blood Pressure to rise (Hypertension).
Upper body Obesity increases the risk of elevated serum Cholesterol levels.
Upper body Obesity can impair the function of the Heart.
Obesity increases the risk of Stroke.
Obesity aggravates Varicose Veins.
Digestive System
Obesity increases the risk of disorders of the Gall Bladder.
Obesity sufferers have a greater incidence of Gallstones (due to Obesity causing increased secretion of Cholesterol in the Bile).
Excretory System
Obesity increases the risk of Kidney disease.
Immune System
The excess Adipose Tissue implicit in Obesity is toxic to the Immune System (due to autoxidation).
Obesity increases the risk of some forms of Cancer:
- Uterus Cancer
Metabolism
Obesity increases the risk of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
The Adipose Tissue of Obesity sufferers contains higher amounts of Peroxidized Fats than normal healthy people.
Musculoskeletal System
Obesity increases the risk of Gout.
Obesity increases the risk of Osteoarthritis.
Myths Dispelled
Cider Vinegar does NOT alleviate Obesity.
Dietary Habits
Fasting or Dieting can actually cause weight gain due to the fact that these practices decrease the body's Basal Metabolic Rate. They fool the body into "thinking" that it is starving leading to build up of Adipose Tissue.
Obesity is caused by overeating in only 10% of sufferers - in the remaining 90% important nutrients are lacking in the diet.
Basal Metabolism
Anorexia Nervosa
Description
Ailment caused by malfunction of the lateral Hypothalamus (which normally generates the hunger sensation) that is characterized by self-inflicted starvation (supposedly in order to achieve weight loss).
Prevalence
Anorexia Nervosa primarily afflicts young females.
These Substances Alleviate Anorexia Nervosa
Minerals
Anorexia Nervosa can occur as a result of Iron deficiency.
Anorexia Nervosa can occur as a result of Phosphorus deficiency.
Anorexia Nervosa can occur as a result of Potassium deficiency.
Anorexia Nervosa can occur as a result of Zinc deficiency.
Vitamins
Anorexia Nervosa can occur as a result of Biotin deficiency.
These Substances can Cause Anorexia Nervosa
Minerals - Toxic
Arsenic can cause Anorexia Nervosa.
Basal Metabolism
Also known as: BMR
Description
Basal Metabolism involves the combustion of Food, using Oxygen and producing Carbon Dioxide - the rate of Oxygen consumption of an individual indicates their Energy expenditure, i.e. their Basal Metabolic Rate.
The Basal Metabolic Rate measures the speed of all chemical reactions which occur when the body.is lying completely at rest; for the activity of the internal organs and to maintain body temperature.
Health Benefits of Increasing the Body's Basal Metabolic Rate
Metabolism
Increasing the Basal Metabolic Rate can alleviate Obesity (by accelerating the oxidation of Calories).
These Substances Increase the Body's Basal Metabolic Rate
ENDOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroxine is the primary Hormone that controls the body's BMR.
Triiodothyronine is the secondary Thyroid Hormone that controls the body's BMR.
EXOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Alkaloids
Capsaicin increases the body's BMR.
Ephedrine increases the body's BMR [scientific research - animals].
Electromagnetic Radiation
Sunlight increases the body's BMR (by stimulating the Thyroid Gland) [scientific research].
Fatty Acids
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) increases the BMR (by increasing oxidation and body temperature) [scientific research].
Linoleic Acid (LA) increases the body's BMR (by increasing oxidation and body temperature).
Methylxanthines
Caffeine increases the body's BMR.
Minerals
Iodine increases the body's BMR (by stimulating the production of by incorporating into Thyroid Hormones).
These Foods or Herbs Increase the Basal Metabolic Rate
Active Constituents
Astragalus increases the body's BMR.
Chillis increase the body's BMR. Capsaicin
Coffee increases the body's BMR. Caffeine
Ephedra increases the body's BMR. Ephedrine
Mustard Seeds increase the body's BMR.
Rosehips increase the body's BMR.
These Factors Affect the Basal Metabolic Rate
Aging Process
The body's BMR slows down in tandem with the Aging Process.
Environmental Factors
The colder the atmospheric Temperature, the more Energy the body must produce in order to keep it's internal Temperature constant.
- The BMR of people in cold climates is about 10% greater than those living in the tropics.
Metabolism
The BMR slows down during Fasting.
Musculoskeletal System
The greater a person's Muscle Mass, the greater the Energy requirement
The larger a person's Surface Area, the greater the Energy requirement.
Nervous System
The BMR slows down whilst Sleeping.
Energy
Description
Capacity to engage in vigorous behaviour.
Endogenous, Cellular Energy is produced within the Mitochondria of Cells as part of the Krebs Cycle.
These Substances Enhance the Body's Production of Energy
Adipose Tissue is the body's storage site for future Energy production.
Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) converts to Energy more readily than other forms of Adipose Tissue.
ENDOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Carbohydrates
All dietary Carbohydrates are converted within the body to Glucose which is then used in the Krebs Cycle (via Adenosine Triphosphate) as a source of Energy within the body.
- When the body requires Energy, Glycogen is converted within the Liver and Muscles back to Glucose which is then released into the bloodstream.
Fatty Acids
Dietary Fats are stored within the body as Triglycerides (in Adipose Tissue) for future usage in the production of Energy.
Free Radicals
Free Radicals (although otherwise dangerous to the body) are an essential component of the Oxidation process that is responsible for the production of Energy within the body:
- Most of the Free Radicals generated during Energy production are short-lived intermediates that do no harm - their short life is expended in the process of Oxidation [Unfortunately, the body's Energy production (Oxidation) process is 2-5% inefficient and some Free Radicals do escape to cause harm in other areas of the body].
Hormones
Adrenaline increases the rate of breakdown of Adipose Tissue (body fat) into Triglycerides as an Energy source.
Electron Transport System
Flavins - i.e. Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) and Flavin Mononucleotide (FMN) participates in the production of Energy (due to its role in the Electron Transport System).
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotides (NAD) is an import factor in Glycolysis - the extraction of Energy from Glucose - NAD functions as a hydrogen acceptor in oxidation reduction in the electron transport chain involved in cellular respiration.
Elements and Gases
Hydrogen atoms participate (at a cellular level) in many of the intermediate steps in the manufacture of Energy within the body.
Krebs Cycle
Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Citric Acid
Oxygen is integral to the process of Oxidation that is involved in the endogenous production of Energy.
Proteins
Haemoglobin carries energy from the Lungs to the Tissues.
EXOGENOUS SUBSTANCES
Amino Acids
Alanine can be utilized in the production of Energy (by converting to endogenous Glucose when insufficient endogenous Glucose is available for the production of Energy such as during Exercise or Fasting or in the presence of Hypoglycaemia).
Arginine & Ornithine taken together release Growth Hormones which tone muscles and burn body Fat.
Carnitine facilitates the production of Energy within the body by carrying Fatty Acids into the Mitochondria and stimulating their oxidation into Energy.
Citrulline facilitates the production of Energy.
Glutamic Acid (manufactured within the body from Glutamine) is utilized as a source of Energy within the Brain.
The correct dosage of Glycine increases Energy production [however, excessive Glycine causes a decrease in energy production].
Isoleucine helps to regulate Energy levels (by stabilizing and regulating Blood Sugar levels).
Leucine can be utilized within the body in the production of Energy.
Phenylalanine assists energy production where Norepinephrine deficiency exists.
Tyrosine increases energy production where a Norepinephrine deficiency exists and also increases Energy by contributing to Thyroid Hormones that increase the body's Basal Metabolic Rate.
Carbohydrates
All dietary Carbohydrates are used by the body for the production of Energy & any excess Carbohydrates are stored as Glycogen in the Muscles and Liver.
When Glycogen stores become full, excess Carbohydrates are converted to Adipose Tissue and Cholesterol.
- Dietary Carbohydrates are first broken down into Glucose for further use in the production of the body's Energy.
Polysaccharides are the body's best source of Carbohydrate-derived Energy:
- Polysaccharides are slowly reverted back to Monosaccharides within the body, eventually forming Glucose which is then oxidized (burned for Energy) at the same rate at which it is produced.
- Polysaccharides are also involved in the production of Energy through the production of Acetic Acid from fermenting Polysaccharides within the Large Intestine.
Fatty Acids
All dietary Fats can be used by the body for Energy production (dietary Fats are stored in Adipose Tissue as Triglycerides in order to provide an Energy reserve for the body).
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) enhances the production of Energy.
Linoleic Acid (LA) enhances the production of Energy.
Medium-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids are utilized within the body primarily in the production of Energy.
Athletes often use Medium-Chain Triglycerides as a source of Energy prior to intensive Exercise.
Saturated Fatty Acids (SaFAs) are utilized within the Mitochondria in the production of Energy.
Short-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids are utilized by the body in the production of Energy.
Volatile Saturated Fatty Acids (especially Butyric Acid) are utilized by the body in the production of Energy [scientific research - Volatile Saturated Fatty Acids supply 5-10% of human energy requirements].
Lipid Alcohols
Octacosanol facilitates the production of Energy [some research claims that Octacosanol has absolutely no effect on energy].
Minerals
Chromium enhances the body's production of Energy by improving the uptake of Glucose into the body's Cells where it can be metabolized to produce Energy via Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
Copper is involved in the body's production of Energy (in its' role as a Pro-Oxidant).
Iodine is involved in the body's production of Energy (in its role as a Pro-Oxidant).
Magnesium facilitates the production of Energy (by enhancing the conversion of serum Glucose to Adenosine Triphosphate - Magnesium transfers the necessary Phosphorus molecule to the ATP molecule).
Manganese enhances the production of Energy.
Phosphorus improves the production of Energy (due to its incorporation into the Adenosine Triphosphate molecule).
Nucleic Acids - Nucleotides
Inosine improves the body's production of Energy (by stimulating the endogenous manufacture of Adenosine Triphosphate).
Quinones
Coenzyme Q10 facilitates the conversion of Carbohydrates into Energy within the body.
Recreational Drugs
Amphetamine temporarily increases the body's production of Energy (due to sudden release of Norepinephrine and Vasopressin) [caution: excessive or long term usage of Amphetamine impairs Energy production due to Norepinephrine and Vasopressin deficiencies].
Smart Drugs
Centrophenoxine increases the body's production of Energy.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) increases the body's production of Energy.
Vitamins
Folic Acid facilitates the production of Energy within the Brain.
Vitamin B1 facilitates the production of Energy (due to its function as a coenzyme for the oxidation of Pyruvic Acid).
Vitamin B2 is involved in the production of Energy.
Vitamin B3 facilitates the production of Energy (due to its participation in the endogenous production of Adenosine Triphosphate).
Vitamin B5 facilitates the endogenous production of Energy (due to its essential role in the production of Acetyl Coenzyme A - the essential cofactor for the production of Adenosine Triphosphate).
Vitamin B6 in involved in various functions associated with the endogenous production of Energy.
Lack of Energy can occur as a result of Vitamin K deficiency.
Substances that stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) also increase Energy quickly but temporarily.
These Foods and Herbs Enhance the Body's Production of Energy
Astragalus increases the body's production of Energy.
Bananas provide readily available Energy to the body.
Essiac increases Energy levels [anecdotal reports].
Flax Seed Oil increases the body's production of Energy.
Fo-Ti increases the body's production of Energy [Chinese folklore].
Ginger stimulates the body's production of Energy.
Ginsengs increases the production of Energy.
Sarsaparilla reputedly increases the body's production of Energy [folklore].
These Substances Inhibit the Body's Production of Energy
Environmental Toxins
Inorganic Cyanide (lethally) blocks the body's production of Energy (by combining with Cytochrome Enzymes that are involved in the production of Energy).
Minerals - Toxic
Arsenic interferes with the body's ability to produce Energy.
Recreational Drugs
Excessive or long-term usage of Cocaine causes lack of Energy (due to continual over-stimulation of the Central Nervous System causing depletion of Norepinephrine and Vasopressin).
Excessive or long term usage of Amphetamine causes lack of Energy (due to Norepinephrine and Vasopressin deficiencies [although Amphetamine causes an initial temporary increase in Energy due to the sudden release of Norepinephrine and Vasopressin].
Other Factors that Interfere with the body's Energy Production
Lighting Conditions
The use of Sunglasses can cause depleted Energy levels (due to Sunglasses blocking out certain beneficial wavelengths of Electromagnetic Radiation) [scientific research - environmental health and light research institute -
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