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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) / The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic...
Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition2008; 92(5); 538-545; doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00744.x

The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic profile and glucose tolerance in ponies.

Abstract: In nine initially obese ponies, a weekly weight loss according to 1% of their ideal body weight was evaluated for its impact on insulin sensitivity and metabolic profile. Weight loss was obtained solely through energy restriction, initially at 70% of maintenance energy requirements, but to maintain constant weight loss, feed amount had to be decreased to 50% and 35% of maintenance energy requirement during the course of the trial. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17. Fasted blood samples were taken on weeks 0, 3, 10, 17 for analysis of triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), T(3), T(4) and leptin. Total average weight loss was 18.2%. When the OGTT was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17, ponies had lost 0.22%, 9.9% and 16.3% of their initial weight respectively. Weight loss was associated with a decreased AUC for glucose and insulin. Moreover, greater % weight loss was associated with a significantly lower glucose peak and a lower area under the curve (AUC glucose). The lower glucose response after an OGTT in lean ponies was not the result of an increased insulin secretion, but an improved insulin sensitivity. Restricted feeding led to mobilization of TG and NEFA and to a reduced basal metabolism, with lower LDH, CPK, T(3) and leptin. Conclusions: in obese Shetland ponies, weight loss at a rate of 1% of ideal body weight per week through restricted energy intake, ameliorated insulin sensitivity.
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Publication Date: 2008-11-18 PubMed ID: 19012597DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00744.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explores the effects of weight loss through energy restrictions on obesity in ponies, with a focus on the subsequent changes in insulin sensitivity and metabolic profile. The study found that a weekly weight loss of 1% of the pony’s ideal body weight improved insulin sensitivity and altered the metabolic profile of the obese Shetland ponies under study.

Study Design

  • The study involved nine initially obese ponies.
  • The weight loss was achieved through an energy restriction diet. The diet was initially 70% of maintenance energy requirements.
  • To maintain a steady weight loss, the feed amount was gradually reduced to 50% and 35% of maintenance energy requirement during the trial.
  • An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at weeks 0, 10, and 17 to assess changes in the ponies’ ability to manage glucose.
  • Fasted blood samples were collected at weeks 0, 3, 10, 17, and analyzed for triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thyroid hormones T(3), T(4) and leptin, a hormone that regulates fat storage.

Results of the Study

  • The ponies underwent an average weight loss of about 18.2%.
  • Weight loss was associated with a decrease in the area under the curve for glucose and insulinrevealing an improvement in the body’s response to glucose and its utilization.
  • Greater percentage weight loss was linked with a significantly lower glucose peak, indicating improvement in blood-sugar handling.
  • The research found that the lower glucose response after the OGTT in lean ponies wasn’t the result of increased insulin secretion, but of improved insulin sensitivity. This suggests that the weight loss made them better able to respond to insulin, thus controlling blood sugar levels more effectively.
  • Restricted feeding led to the mobilization of triglycerides (TG) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), which are used for energy production during periods of dietary energy deficiency.
  • Restricted feeding also led to a reduced basal metabolism as indicated by lower readings of LDH and CPK, enzymes related to muscle damage and thyroid hormones T(3) and leptin.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that in obese Shetland ponies, weight loss at a rate of 1% of their ideal body weight per week through energy restricted intake improved insulin sensitivity. This implies a potential strategy for managing obesity and improving insulin responsiveness in ponies.

Cite This Article

APA
Van Weyenberg S, Hesta M, Buyse J, Janssens GP. (2008). The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic profile and glucose tolerance in ponies. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 92(5), 538-545. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00744.x

Publication

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
ISSN: 1439-0396
NlmUniqueID: 101126979
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 92
Issue: 5
Pages: 538-545

Researcher Affiliations

Van Weyenberg, S
  • Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. stephanie.vanweyenberg@ugent.be
Hesta, M
    Buyse, J
      Janssens, G P J

        MeSH Terms

        • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
        • Animals
        • Area Under Curve
        • Blood Glucose / metabolism
        • Diet, Reducing
        • Energy Intake
        • Energy Metabolism / physiology
        • Glucose Tolerance Test / veterinary
        • Horse Diseases / diet therapy
        • Horse Diseases / metabolism
        • Horses
        • Insulin / blood
        • Insulin Resistance
        • Lipid Metabolism / physiology
        • Obesity / diet therapy
        • Obesity / metabolism
        • Obesity / veterinary
        • Weight Loss / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 12 times.
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