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5 - The life-course induction of adiposity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2010

Jonathan C. K. Wells
Affiliation:
Institute of Child Health, University College London
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Summary

The previous chapter discussed the ontogenetic development of body composition, highlighting how body fat content and distribution varies substantially across the life-course and between the genders. Sexual dimorphism is apparent from fetal life onwards, but it increases significantly from puberty and then declines again in old age. This pattern of development is unique to humans and appears broadly to be found in all populations. However, over and above this ontogenetic pattern, it is important to consider the different within-lifetime growth trajectories of individuals and the way in which early environmental exposures influence subsequent adiposity.

Understanding of the life-course induction of lean mass and adipose tissue will clarify the integrative role that it performs in relation to a variety of biological functions, whilst also highlighting the trans-generational effects whereby the adiposity of one generation responds to the experience of previous ones. Because adiposity is a relative concept, expressed relative to size and physique, this chapter addresses the developmental trajectories of these different aspects of body composition. Indeed, energy stores in early life make up a critical component to the trajectory of these other traits, either by providing the energy for the accretion of lean tissue, or by matching variability in their energy demand with appropriate energy insurance. The life-course trajectory of development also links body composition with reproductive function, particularly in females.

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The Evolutionary Biology of Human Body Fatness
Thrift and Control
, pp. 118 - 152
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2009

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