The complex homeostatic process by which the body manages the relationship between energy intake, primarily from food, and energy expenditure, which includes basal metabolism, thermogenesis, and physical activity. Precise regulation is critical for maintaining a stable body weight and optimal metabolic health, with disruptions leading to either weight gain or weight loss. This system is intricately governed by a network of hormones and neuropeptides.
Origin
The fundamental concept is rooted in the first law of thermodynamics applied to human physiology, dating back to early metabolism studies. The contemporary understanding of “regulation” integrates the sophisticated roles of the endocrine system and the central nervous system.
Mechanism
Regulation is centrally controlled by the hypothalamus, which receives hormonal signals from peripheral tissues, notably leptin from adipose tissue and ghrelin from the stomach, to modulate appetite and satiety. The thyroid and adrenal hormones also influence the basal metabolic rate, collectively adjusting energy expenditure to match intake and maintain long-term metabolic stability.
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