Relationship of fat metabolism to food intake.

A model for the role of body fat stores in the control of food intake is outlined. It is proposed that changes in the storage and mobilization of fuels into and from adipose tissue affect food intake indirectly by altering the supply of utilizable metabolic fuels. Experiments are reviewed in which this hypothesis is tested by an examination of the hypophagia that occurs following termination of obesity-producing injections of insulin. The results indicate that whereas excess mobilization of fat from adipose tissue does not entirely account for postinsulin hypophagia, changes in hepatic liquid metabolism may be a factor. It is proposed that the satiating effects of fat from either endogenous or exogenous sources may depend on the degree to which lipids are oxidized.