Open AccessAlterations of Gastrointestinal Motility in Obesity
Author(s) -
Xing Jinhong,
Chen Jiande D.Z.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
obesity research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8528
pISSN - 1071-7323
DOI - 10.1038/oby.2004.213
Subject(s) - motility , gastroparesis , gastric emptying , obesity , digestion (alchemy) , stomach , medicine , gastrointestinal tract , appetite , intestinal motility , nutrient , gastroenterology , endocrinology , physiology , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , chromatography
Abstract All nutrients are absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, and GI motility plays a very critical role in the consumption of foods, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Various segments of the GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and intestines) coordinate in a complex yet precise way to control the process of food consumption, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. GI motility not only regulates the rates at which nutrients are processed and absorbed in the gut but also participates in the control of appetite and satiety. Altered GI motility has been associated with various disease conditions (gastroparesis, etc.) and has been frequently observed in obese patients. The significance of these GI motility alterations in obesity is not fully understood, but they have been considered as potential contributing factors in the development and maintenance of obesity and changed eating behavior. Therapies aimed at regulating GI motility are being actively explored and applied clinically for the management of obese patients. To better understand the pathophysiology of obesity, we systematically reviewed GI motility changes observed in obese conditions. The relationship and pathological significance of these findings, as well as the potential therapies by modification of GI motility, are also discussed.