Background: Obesity is a disease, a disorder, an epidemic that affects more than half of the US population. Obesity is known to be the result of both genetic and environmental influences. Aims of study: This study attempts to understand the roles of high fat diets and sedentary lifestyle on obesity development. The study also attempts to understand the differential effects of exercise, low fat kilocalorie (kcal) restrictive diets on weight reduction. Hypothesis: A combination treatment of exercise with restricted kcal, low fat diet will affect the expression of the obesity phenotype. Design: The study is a quantitative longitudinal two-phase study: superimpose dietary induced obesity (DIO) in phase I and low fat, Kcal reduction diet in phase II. The study employs a convenience sample of Zucker rats that are consist of both genetically lean (Fa/fa: n=24) and fat (fa/fa: n=52). These animals’ food intake, body weight, exercise, and metabolism are monitored rigorously. Environmental factors are introduced using high-fat or low-fat diets, as well as an active (exercise) or sedentary lifestyle. Results: Results indicated that fa/fa animals gained weight regardless of diet type that they were on. Both Fa/fa and fa/fa on a high fat diet (DIO) gained more weight than those that were on low fat diets. fa/fa animals with DIO lost weight after being put on a restrictive kcal low fat diet. fa/fa animals without DIO continued to gain weight despite calorie restriction. Conclusions: Thus far, data analysis suggests that exercise when combined with a low-fat diet has a direct effect on dietary intake. This indicates that exercise possible inhibits the development of obesity, although no certain conclusions have been made. With continued research, new findings will hopefully aid in decreasing the 300 million annual deaths associated with obesity in the United States.
Session #1222 - Undergraduate Submissions
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)