Leptin in Mice and Humans
The peptide hormone leptin was first discovered in obese mice. Mice with certain mutations in the genes encoding for leptin and leptin receptors were found to be excessively obese. Mice with nonfunctional leptin that were treated with supplements of functional leptin lost significant amounts of weight and reached an average body weight. This led researchers to look for something similar in humans. A human leptin was found, but the role in appetite may not be the same as it is in mice. Find out more about studies of leptin in mice and humans. What are the prospects of leptin therapy for humans?
Visit the Leptin: The Fat Hormone web site
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Calculating your Health
At this site, with this Healthy Body Calculator, you can calculate several of the measurements described in the chapter that are used to assess health and fitness, including BMI, caloric intake, and recommended activities.
Visit the Healthy Body Calculator web site
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BMI Calculator
A quick BMI calculator can be useful. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides one at this site. Check your BMI and have your friends check theirs. Try to develop an intuitive feel for a person’s BMI just as you have a sense of how much they weigh.
Visit the Calculate your Body Mass Index web site
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Childhood Obesity
Obesity is a major health concern in the United States, especially among children. What factors are likely to cause obesity? What can we do about it?
Visit the Obesity in Children web site
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