Author
Professor Jeya Henry, School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University., Oxford., UK
Proceeding
1st International Conference & Exhibition on Women’s Health & Asian Traditional (WHAT) Medicine
Date
23/8/2005
Keyword
menstrual cycle, traditional Asian food, energy regulation, plant based compounds, obesity
Abstract
Obesity is of major public concern globally. In recent years, the prevalence of obesity has escalated in many South Asian countries. An individual can only become obese if the subject is in positive energy balance. Energy balance is dictated by two components: – energy intake and expenditure. A consistent observation worldwide, is the sexual dimorphism in the prevalence of obesity with women being more susceptible to obesity. This paper will review the role the menstrual cycle plays in basal metabolic rate and how certain women may be ‘metabolically advantaged’ to resist obesity. The paper will also review several naturally occurring plant based compounds widely used in the dietaries of the South Asians that may contribute to energy balance and energy regulation. The role of minor food components in the prevention and treatment of obesity is a challenging area of research and commercial opportunity. These issues will be also highlighted in the presentation.
