Obesity and Eating Disorders - Adipose Tissue Flashcards
Q: What is the role of adipose tissue (AT) in energy homeostasis?
A: Adipose tissue is a metabolically active organ that regulates whole-body energy homeostasis, storing energy and producing hormones, lipids, and inflammatory cytokines.
Q: How does adipose tissue change with age?
A: Adipose tissue changes in both quantity and distribution with age, transitioning from brown adipose tissue (BAT) in early life to white adipose tissue (WAT) and, in some cases, beige-white adipose tissue.
Q: What are the main types of white adipose tissue (WAT), and where are they located?
A:
Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT): Located under the skin.
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT): Found intra-abdominally.
Q: What happens to white adipose tissue during a chronic energy surplus?
A: Persistent energy surplus leads to WAT expansion through increased adipocyte size (hypertrophy) and number (hyperplasia). Hypertrophy is linked to dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, T2DM, and NAFLD.
Q: What are the differences in health impacts between hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipocytes?
A: Hypertrophy is strongly associated with metabolic disorders like dyslipidaemia and T2DM, while hyperplasia is generally linked with fewer serious health effects.
Q: What is a recommended dietary intervention for obese clients to manage white adipose tissue?
A: Consider fasting or a low-calorie diet starting at 800 kcal/day as a potential strategy to reduce adipose tissue and address obesity.
Q: What hormones and substances are produced by adipocytes in adipose tissue?
A: Adipocytes produce lipids, steroids, inflammatory cytokines, and peptide hormones, including leptin.
