Adipose tissue fat is not simply a reservoir for excess nutrients, but rather an active and dynamic organ capable of expressing biologically active fat-derived peptides (FDPs). At times of acute injury, macrophages contribute to the release of these peptides and the term inflammatory markers is often applied, but in the basal state, adipose tissue is the predominant source of production. Some of these FDPs may have a role in the development of the obesity metabolic syndrome of aging and other obesity-related diseases. (more…)

Obesity in the elderly is a major health crisis facing our population that may predispose the elderly to the same adverse health outcomes facing the younger, obese population. However, several studies have suggested that the risk of obesity on life span is less in the elderly and may even become insignificant. However, these studies have found an increase in disability in older subjects with obesity. (more…)

Concomitant with the global increase in obesity is the increase in the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome, also known as the metabolic syndrome of aging, syndrome X, and the insulin resistance syndrome, is a constellation of abnormal metabolism including glucose intolerance (impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes & diabetes in elderly), central (abdominal) obesity in genes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. (more…)