The mainstream solution to obesity is a one size fits all regimen of vigorous exercise and energy restriction. this one size fits all solution to obesity is not helpful considering the fact that metabolic syndrome, the probably cause of abdominal obesity, is in reality a spectrum of disorders that vary in severity amongst individuals due to biochemical individuality. Regarding this, little attention has been given to the differences between men and women in the development of obesity. In fact evidence from the literature does support the contention that male and female subjects respond differently in the post-absorptive state. For example, it has been reported that plasma levels of branched chain keto acids α-keto-β-methyl-n-valeric acid (KMVA), a-ketoisocaproic acid (KICA) but not a-ketoisovaleric acid (KIVA), which are the transamination product of isoleucine, leucine and valine, respectively, increased significantly in obese men but not obese women, in the post-absorptive state.
No differences in branched chain keto acids were detected between non-obese men and women. The subjects in this study were matched for bodyweight and BMI, which suggests that other factors were responsible for the differences seen. It has been suggested that the augmentation of branched chain amino acid oxidation in obese individuals is a manifestation of the insulin resistance often present in such individuals. The fact that the subjects in this study displayed higher fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin supports the contention that they were insulin resistant. That KMVA and KIVA rise in men, but not in women suggests that hormonal factors or body composition factors may play a role. For example, in the study subjects, the women had more adipose tissue and less lean mass compared to the men, as confirmed by skin fold thickness. One explanation may be that the men have a greater ability to use branched chain amino acids as energy substrates because of their greater skeletal muscle mass.
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