Physiological regulation of energy balance - A review of the literature

World-wide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing tremendously. Clues to the prevention of overweight may well be found in a better understanding of the physiological processes involved in the regulation of energy balance and factors that influence these processes, such as dietary factors and smoking. A review of available literature presented here showed the central nervous system to play an important role in the regulation of energy balance through effects on feeding behaviour and energy expenditure. The physiological response to weight loss seems to be more vigorous than to weight gain and may explain why it is so difficult to lose weight. Furthermore, increasing physical activity or maintaining it at high levels is important. The physiological regulatory mechanisms do not differ at low levels of energy expenditure from those at high levels, but it is easier to overeat at low levels of energy expenditure. Based on physiological mechanisms, diets low in energy density, low in fat, high in fibre and void of energy-containing liquids between meals constitute an effective strategy for preventing a positive energy balance or maintaining the weight reached after weight loss. The dynamic nature of research on the mechanisms involved in regulation of energy balance, however, may make it necessary to update this review in several years' time