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Cited by 105Diet and metabolism studiesDietary Effects on HealthMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Differences in fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism between lean and obese subjects undergoing total starvation

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Elia, M., Stubbs, R. J., Henry, C. J. K.·1999·Obesity Research
DOI 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1999.tb00720.x
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Abstract

ELIA, M., R. J. STUBBS, AND C. J. K. HENRY. Differences in fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism between lean and obese subjects undergoing total starvation. Obes Res. Despite extensive experimental studies on total starvation, many of the findings relating to protein, fat (plus ketone body), and carbohydrate metabolism remain confusing, although they become more consistent when considered in relation to the degree of initial obesity. During prolonged starvation, protein loss and percent energy derived from protein oxidation are 2‐ to 3‐fold less in the obese than in the lean; percent urine N excreted as urea is 2‐fold less in the obese; and the contribution of protein to net glucose production is only about half in the obese compared to lean subjects. During short‐term starvation (first few days) the following differences are reported: hyperketonaemia is typically 2‐fold greater in lean subjects, but associated with a 2‐fold lower uptake of ketone bodies by forearm muscle; glucose tolerance becomes impaired more in lean subjects; and both protein turnover and leucine oxidation increase in the lean, but may show no significant change in the obese. It is no longer acceptable to describe the metabolic response to starvation as a single typical response. The differences between lean and obese subjects have important physiological implications, some of which are of obvious relevance to survival.

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Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. [2]2. Voit E. Die grösse desulfovibrio giwizsszerfalles im hunger. Z F Biol. 1901;16:167–95.
  2. [7]7. Takahira H. Metabolism during fasting and subsequent refeeding. Imperial Govt. Institute for Nutrition, Tokyo. 1925; 1:63-82.
  3. [8]8. Snyder WS, Cooke MJ, Nasset ES, Karhausen LR, Howells GP, Tipton IH. Report of the Task Group on Reference Man. International Commission on Radiological Protection No. 23. Oxford: Pergamon Press; 1975.
  4. [11]11. Elia M. Metabolic response to starvation, injury and sepsis. In: Payne-James J, Grimble G, Silk D. Artificial Nutritional Support in Clinical Practice. London: Edward Arnold; 1999; (in press).
  5. [21]21. Goschke H, Girard J, Stahl M. Der stoffwechsell bei vollstandigem fasten. Unterschiedliches verhalten bei mannern und frauen sowie bei normalpersonen und adiposen. (Metabolic differences between males and females and between normal and obese subjects during a total fast.) Klinische Wochenschrift 1976;54:527–53.

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Authors
Elia, M., Stubbs, R. J., & Henry, C. J. K.
Affiliations
  • Addenbrooke's Hospital (GB)
  • Oxford Brookes University (GB)
Corresponding author
Elia, M.
ORCID
Venue
Obesity Research
Publisher
Wiley
Published
1999-11
Volume
7
Issue
6
Pages
597-604
ISSN
  • 1071-7323 (ISSN-L)
  • 1550-8528
DOI
10.1002/j.1550-8528.1999.tb00720.x
OpenAlex
W2032251708
Cited by
105
References
23
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 4
FWCI
2.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 4693 d)
Locations
  • Obesity Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Diet and metabolism studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Dietary Effects on Health
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
obesity, lean subjects, fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, ketone bodies, hyperketonaemia, protein oxidation, urea nitrogen excretion, glucose tolerance, protein turnover, leucine oxidation
MeSH terms
Blood Glucose, Body Weight, Humans, Ketone Bodies, Obesity, Proteins, Starvation, Thinness, Carbohydrate Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism

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