Is There a Metabolic Program in the Skeletal Muscle of Obese Individuals?

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) is associated with multiple defects in skeletal muscle which contribute to insulin resistance and a reduction in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in this tissue. These metabolic derangements are retained in human skeletal muscle cells raised in culture. Together, these findings are indicative of a dysfunctional global metabolic program with severe obesity which is of an epigenetic or genetic origin. Weight loss via gastric bypass surgery can “turn off” and/or correct components of this metabolic program as insulin sensitivity is restored; however, the impairment in FAO in skeletal muscle remains evident. Physical activity can improve FAO and insulin action, indicating that this patient population is not exercise resistant and that exercise offers a pathway to circumvent the abnormal program. Findings presented in this review will hopefully increase the understanding of and aid in preventing and/or treating the severely obese condition.
Funding Information
  • National Institutes of Health (RO1DK46121, RO1DK56112)
  • National Institutes of Health (RO1DK46121, RO1DK56112)

This publication has 62 references indexed in Scilit: