Absence of weight regulation in exercising hamsters

Spontaneous activity on horizontal discs causes a permanent upward displacement of hamster weight, length, and, under some circumstances, percentage body fat. This phenomenon manifests itself through an immediate increase in the rate of weight gain, a disappearance of a preference for sunflower seeds, as well as in a delayed and gradual increase in food intake during and immediately following the activity period. A week after termination of spontaneous disc running normal regulation of body weight is reinstated and maintained at the new elevated weight level. These results suggest that some concomitant of spontaneous disc running in hamsters renders the weight-regulatory mechanisms inoperative.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22388/1/0000837.pd