Biology Paper: Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity

Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity
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Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity
Introduction
Obesity, commonly described as Body Mass Index (BMI) equal or greater than 30Kg/M2, which results from discrepancies in the uptake and utilization of energy, is one of the most life-threatening problems in public health. Obesity prevalence and subsequently reported cases have more than tripled in the last few centuries. Statistics on the development of the disease reveal that obesity prevalence among adolescents and children is threatening the current and future generations. Adults are not exceptional of the magnitude of the disease. By 2025, it is projected that over 1.6 billion adults will be described as overweight (Hishinuma & Tanti, 2011). Amidst these mounting statistics, several interventions have been formulated to prevent and treat obesity. Prevention through lifestyle monitoring and environmental monitoring have been the commonly used interventions. A closer look at the available treatment options reveals a lot that has now sparked concerns among health stakeholders. Diet and exercise have been the primary treatments for obesity. Tons of evidence-based studies show that therapeutic or rather biological approaches may be direly required in some scenarios of obesity. The biological aspect of treating obesity is intensively researched. Significant developments have been achieved, with the aim of complementing or replacing diet and exercise as a means of treating obesity. This discussion assumes an exploratory approach in the treatment of obesity, mapping challenges and similar solutions.
Biology and Genetics of Obesity
Over the history of obesity, science has tried to establish the link between biology, genetics and obesity. Science has focused on physiological processes and activities like absorption, ingestion, digestion, metabolism and utilization of energy produced within the human body. Some physicians have argued for biologic interventions for treating obesity, specifically targeting physiological processes associated with the disease. A central argument for biological interventions is the fact that lack of exercise and improper diet does not account for every weight gained by an obese person (Jou, 2014). A study conducted among prisoners revealed some of the groundbreaking observations. Two of the participants in the study faced difficulties in losing weight that had been gained effortlessly. The two subjects were linked to the history of obesity within their families. The study carried out by Ethan Sims back in 1960, suggested that obesity could be hereditary. Several studies supported the observation. For instance, the “Twin” study conducted by Stunkard in 1986 and 1990 indicated a turn into molecular research to understand obesity (Jou, 2014).
One is likely to become obese when the amount of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories utilized, leading to fat build up in the body. Environmental factors like exercising and quality of food contribute majorly to the occurrence of obesity. Genetic predisposition is a minor contributing factor (Jou, 2014). Even though genetic factors cannot be directly associated with a rise in case of obesity, it is observed that genetic factors account for more than 40% of BMI variations within a given population (Jou, 2014). It is true to state that genes affect the way our bodies obtain, store and utilize energy. Currently, there are a few theories explaining the relationship between obesity and genetics. The few existing theories lack consensus on the interaction between genetics and obesity. Advancements in obesity research have established a list of genetic loci that determine energy utilization.
Obesity as an Inherited Disorder
Human monogenic and polygenic obesity has been associated with defects in several genes. The identified genes play a central role in the absorption and utilization of energy. The metabolic process requires a coordinated and controlled association within several genes. Further, genes that are responsible for expression of the food regulation and associated genes play an imperative role in controlling and coordinating the metabolic process. Gene defects, in the sense of over or under expression may result in a bad regulation of energy, which may lead to obesity (Gao & Liu, 2014). Genetic studies have identified some genes and their possible impact on energy management, in the case of defects.
Leptin
Leptin is one of the most featured genes in the genetic study of obesity. Leptin plays a key role in regulating energy intake. This function correlates appetite and hunger in a person. Obese individuals are usually characterized by extreme levels of appetite for food as well as hunger. The primary role of leptin in the context of hunger sense is to bind a leptin receptor within the brain. The leptin gene controls the amount of leptin hormone circulating in the body. The correct amount of leptin should correlate with the amount of fat in the body (Gao & Liu, 2014). Mutation of the leptin gene affects the amount of leptin protein produced in the body. In a study that involved lab mice, it was observed that subjects which lacked the leptin gene became obese. Study candidates who expressed the leptin gene did not show signs of obesity under the controlled environment. With the significant development in the study of leptin, scientists have developed a tremendous interest in using leptins as an anti-obesity gene. The quest has been challenging enough, considering that the existence and importance of this gene remained unknown till the 1950s.
Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) Gene.
FTO gene is expressed in the hypothalamus part of the brain. FTO gene is primarily in the development of the central nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular system. FTO is regarded as the highest contributor of polygenic associated genetic problems. Total deficiency of the FTO gene results in retardation, premature death and malfunctioning of an individual as discussed by Kim, Ban, Cho, & Ruthenborg (2012). Hundreds of articles have been developed, linking the FTO gene to obesity. Inactivation of the FTO gene in mice is known to protect the subject from obesity. Overexpression of the FTO gene in mice is known to contribute to excess food intake, hence enhancing obesity. Studies are indicating that FTO can be regulated through feeding and fasting. Crystallography studies suggest that FTO is associated with repair of nucleic acid.
The Need for Genetic Approach in Treating Obesity
The primary role of this study is to create a case for the use of genetic knowledge and gene based interventions to offer treatment of obesity. As earlier mentioned, there are concerns about the effectiveness of diet and exercise as the primary approaches to preventing and treating obesity. The reflection above provides insight into the significance of genetics in the occurrence of obesity. Use of exercise and diet tends to alter the normal functioning of the body. Psychological problems like depression have been reported on weight loss. Rachael (2015) argues that physicians are championing for therapeutic methods to overcome some of the identified challenges in the treatment of obesity. Psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral interventions have proved effective. However, cognitive behavioral approaches are limited to the number of beneficiaries, not available to the mass app...