Evaluation of spontaneous physical activity and compensatory behavior in experimental model and obese individuals engaged in an interdisciplinary program for obesity treatment

Abstract

In addition to the association between low levels of physical activity and obesity, physical inactivity is a risk factor for a large number of chronic-degenerative diseases and premature mortality. Currently, however, the continuing focus of research on moderate and vigorous physical activity for health is being questioned. Light-intensity physical activities of daily life, known as spontaneous physical activities (AFE), contribute substantially to total daily energy expenditure and to reduce sedentary behaviors. Despite this, the study of AFE has been neglected. We have been committed to expand the knowledge on AFE. We recently demonstrated a compensatory reduction of AFE in response to voluntary exercise in mice. This compensation decreases efficiency of exercise as a tool for reducing body weight. We also observed that the drop in AFE which occurs with ageing is related to reduced action of leptin on hypothalamus. We intend to continue these studies, acting on two fronts. In the first, we will characterize compensatory changes in AFE in response to acute voluntary exercise as the mice age (4 to 10 months of age) and evaluate hypothalamic and extra hypothalamic regions that participate in the regulation of locomotion in both young and aged mice. And since a caloric restriction of 30% seems to prevent a decrease in locomotion during age, we will also use a group of mice submitted to calorie restriction. In the second front, we will evaluate, in obese adults, the effects of an interdisciplinary program for obesity treatment on AFE and if the change in AFE influence the success of the program based on anthropometric and biochemical analysis. (AU)