View Item 
        •   Utrecht University Student Theses Repository Home
        • UU Theses Repository
        • Theses
        • View Item
        •   Utrecht University Student Theses Repository Home
        • UU Theses Repository
        • Theses
        • View Item
        JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

        Browse

        All of UU Student Theses RepositoryBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

        Obesity due to stress: A change in glucose and lipid metabolism due to altered cortisol levels

        Thumbnail
        View/Open
        final thesis, Rianne Kruit, 3346668.pdf (1.315Mb)
        Publication date
        2014
        Author
        Kruit, R.
        Metadata
        Show full item record
        Summary
        In this literature study different topics concerning stress-induced obesity are described. First of all the dangers and causes of obesity are discussed. Next, the mechanism of stress is explained with among others the HPA axis, which is responsible for the secretion of the glucocorticoid cortisol. Cortisol is able to bind to two different receptors and thereby influence different processes. In this thesis, the effects of cortisol on three systems are thoroughly described. One of these processes is the glucose metabolism. Cortisol influences gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis and a special enzyme catalyzing the conversion of the inactive form of cortisol to the active form: 11β - hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Cortisol also has an effect on the lipid metabolism. Within this metabolism it mainly stimulates the breakdown of adipose tissue (lipolysis), which results in a large amount of free fatty acids in the plasma. This in turn has an effect on other processes which will be inhibited or stimulated. Not only the lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism are affected by cortisol, also the central nervous system. Different parts of the brain respond to cortisol by changing morphology of neurons, which among others leads to "stress eating" and being agitated. All these effects of cortisol can lead to obesity and form a danger for human. Fortunately, there are many ways in which this might be treated and this is discussed in the last chapter of this study.
        URI
        https://studenttheses.uu.nl/handle/20.500.12932/16410
        Collections
        • Theses
        Utrecht university logo