To better understand changes in fat levels and body shape that occur when a population of active creatures becomes less active, a research team examined a population of wild baboons.
They analysed blood levels of cholesterol and leptin (a hormone produced by fat cells and produced in greater quantities as we gain weight) in two categories of baboons:
* those that gathered all their food in the wild; and
* those that fed from gardens and garbage dumps near where humans live, as if walking into a corner shop.
Easy pickings
The researchers discovered that the fat content and calories in the food that both groups of baboons ate was about the same. However, the baboons that ate leftovers didn't have to work hard while the wild baboons used lots of energy feeding themselves.
Some of the baboons that did not exercise showed signs of obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and early signs of diabetes.
The findings suggest that some people are likely to become obese if they don't exercise and burn off the calories they consume. In other words, balancing a big diet with big exercise is okay. But a big diet alone might lead to a big baboon.
Junk food
The baboons with the highest cholesterol levels were those that ate the 'garbage' discarded by humans. Surprisingly, these apes had normal leptin levels, suggesting that high cholesterol and obesity might be controlled by different factors.
The researchers said their findings were a warning that "some people can get away with indiscretions such as not exercising and will gain a little weight without suffering these serious health consequences. Other people are going to balloon out and get sick with less provocation."
The results highlight the importance of the "at least one hour a day of physical activity" message. Regular exercise is vital for weight control and good health, whether you're baboon or a human.
Reference:
Banks WA, Altmann J, Sapolksy RM, Phillips-Conroy JE, Morley JE (2003) Serum leptin levels as a marker for a Syndrome X-like condition in wild baboons. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 88: 1234-1240.
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