RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Failures of Feedback: Rush Hour Along the Highway to Obesity JF American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science JO Clin Lab Sci FD American Society of Chemistry and Laboratory Science SP 39 OP 50 DO 10.29074/ascls.23.1.39 VO 23 IS 1 A1 Gade, Wayne A1 Gade, Jean A1 Collins, Melissa A1 Schmit, Jessica A1 Schupp, Nicole YR 2010 UL http://hwmaint.clsjournal.ascls.org/content/23/1/39.abstract AB After reading the following article, the reader should be able to: Define obesity, in terms of body mass index or BMI.Describe the hormones and functions of the HPA system and non-HPA hormones.List and describe the three primary ways that the hypothalamus helps regulate body weight.Describe the molecular types and tissue of origin for leptin, insulin and cortisol.List and describe four “entrance ramps” to the “highway to obesity.”Describe how leptin and insulin resistance are related to the development of obesity.Describe “lipid buffering” and how it relates to ectopic fat deposition.Describe how the dopamine “pleasure/reward system” is involved with such diverse behaviors as drug and alcohol abuse and overeating.Discuss the impact of inheritance on an individual's tendency to become obese.Identify analytes that are typically elevated by the metabolism of obesity versus analytes that are decreased or unchanged. From hot dogs to Hashimoto's and inheritance to inactivity, many “entrance ramps” converge onto the “Highway to Obesity”, each contributing caloric intake that exceeds expenditure. Initially, the hypothalamus regulates appetite and energy based on leptin feedback, until feedback failure increases appetite, and allows deposition of abdominal fat, metabolic dysregulation, and metabolic syndrome. Without feedback controls, progress toward obesity is unimpeded unless diet, exercise, and/or medications provide an exit ramp.