

The Real Cause of Fat Gain: Genetics, Hormones, and Insulin
31 snips Aug 18, 2025
Delving into the intriguing world of obesity, experts reveal how genetics and hormones play pivotal roles in fat storage, challenging the conventional 'calories in, calories out' view. Learn about monogenic obesity and specific genetic conditions that disrupt appetite control. The hypothalamic POMC pathway is highlighted, showcasing how it regulates hunger and metabolism. Crucially, chronically elevated insulin levels are identified as major players in energy storage, further illuminating the complex relationship between our biology and weight management.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Insulin As The Gatekeeper Of Fat
- Insulin is the primary hormonal signal that determines whether calories get stored as fat or burned.
- Elevated insulin drives adipocytes to take up and lock away triglycerides while blocking lipolysis.
POMC Pathway Controls Appetite And Energy
- The hypothalamic POMC pathway balances hunger and energy expenditure via two opposing neuron sets.
- POMC neurons produce alpha-MSH which activates MC4R to suppress appetite and increase energy use.
Leptin Mutations Mimic Starvation
- Leptin or leptin receptor mutations make the brain think the body is starving, driving extreme hunger.
- This genetic defect appears in infancy and causes profound, early-onset obesity.