Eating in the Absence of Hunger Is a Stable Predictor of Adiposity Gains in Middle Childhood.

Background: Eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) is a behavioral phenotype of pediatric obesity characterized by the consumption of palatable foods beyond hunger. Studies in children have identified EAH to be stable over time, but findings are unclear on whether it predicts the development of adiposity, particularly in middle childhood, a period of increased autonomy over food choices.

Objectives: We hypothesized that EAH would remain stable and be associated with increased adiposity over a ≥1-y prospective study in 7-8-y old children without obesity.

Peripherally restricted oxytocin is sufficient to reduce food intake and motivation, while CNS entry is required for locomotor and taste avoidance effects.

Objectives: Oxytocin (OT) has a well-established role in reproductive behaviours; however, it recently emerged as an important regulator of energy homeostasis. In addition to central nervous system (CNS), OT is found in the plasma and OT receptors (OT-R) are found in peripheral tissues relevant to energy balance regulation. Here, we aim to determine whether peripheral OT-R activation is sufficient to alter energy intake and expenditure.

NAD precursors cycle between host tissues and the gut microbiome.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential redox cofactor in mammals and microbes. Here we use isotope tracing to investigate the precursors supporting NAD synthesis in the gut microbiome of mice. We find that dietary NAD precursors are absorbed in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract and not available to microbes in the distal gut.

NAD flux is maintained in aged mice despite lower tissue concentrations.

NAD is an essential coenzyme for all living cells. NAD concentrations decline with age, but whether this reflects impaired production or accelerated consumption remains unclear. We employed isotope tracing and mass spectrometry to probe age-related changes in NAD metabolism across tissues.