Biobehavioral Health: Obesity Theories

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What is the critical need that passing on genes for efficient fat storage and lower metabolic rates represents?

Promotion of individual survival

Protection from starvation

Enhancement of reproductive fertility (correct)

Increase in mortality rates

According to the Thrifty Gene Theory, what is the genetic advantage of the thrifty gene?

Enhanced protection from seasonal food shortages

Increased metabolic rates

Prevention of famine-related mortality

Allowing reproduction during food scarcity (correct)

How does declining maternal energy status affect conception rates?

Has no impact on conception rates

Halts conception completely

Increases conception rates

Reduces conception rates (correct)

In agricultural societies, what has enabled the thrifty gene to exert selective pressure on the human genome?

Storage of excess adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate purpose of storing excess adipose tissue and having a lower metabolic rate?

Enhanced fertility Signup and view all the answers

What remains unknown regarding the manifestation of the thrifty gene in the human genome?

If it involves a single mutation on one gene or multiple mutations on many genes Signup and view all the answers

Why has the emergence of the obesity epidemic led to considerable debate?

Considering the circumstances that led to its development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Thrifty Gene Theory propose?

A genetic tendency to rapidly accumulate fat and store it efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Thrifty Gene Theory propose that a genetic tendency to accumulate excess adiposity would be advantageous?

To ensure survival by storing fat when food was abundant. Signup and view all the answers

Why did famines and seasonal food shortages become more common with the transition to agrarian societies?

As agricultural practices changed food availability patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence contradicts assumptions about food scarcity in early human populations?

Anthropological data showing rare famines or seasonal food shortages. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Thrifty Gene Theory explain excess adiposity accumulation in times of food surplus?

By enabling efficient fat storage for future survival needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central framework of behavioral perspectives on obesity?

Patterns of behaviors and decision making over food consumption and physical activity Signup and view all the answers

When do changes in gene expression occur?

Throughout the lifespan and at different developmental stages Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by evidence regarding epigenetic effects from paternal contributions?

They are likely to occur and influence gene expression Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario do alterations in gene expression result in more dramatic changes?

If persistent environmental or behavior characteristics are present for three generations Signup and view all the answers

What can bring on more permanent adaptations or dramatic changes in a family's gene expression?

Consistent environmental pressures or need for certain behaviors for three successive generations Signup and view all the answers

Aside from genetic and environmental influences, what also plays a critical role in the risk of obesity?

Behavioral lifestyle choices Signup and view all the answers

What is the central role of leptin in the feedback control system?

Regulating food intake and metabolism Signup and view all the answers

Where is the hypothalamus located in the brain?

Near the brainstem Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the feedback response?

Reduce food intake and increase energy metabolism Signup and view all the answers

Which neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) signal the PVN to reduce food intake?

POMC neurons Signup and view all the answers

How does activation of AgRP neurons within the ARC affect energy metabolism?

Increase food intake and decrease energy metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in response to changing contexts?

Orchestrate homeostatic functions Signup and view all the answers