There are several metabolic factors that must be considered when exploring obesity in adolescents. Wong et al. We know that obese people have reduced amounts of heat-producing brown fat. Also, this brown fat is less efficient in its functioning ability. Children considered to be obese have larger adipose cells that remain the same size once they arrive at the maximum level.
Fat cells seem to increase in number during childhood development.
As calories are increased the metabolic rate goes up and when calorie intake is decreased energy is conserved. Obese individuals have less of an enzyme that promotes keeping potassium in cells and sodium outside body cells. Therefore, the obese person expends fewer calories keeping a state of equilibrium within the body. The lipoprotein lipase enzyme is responsible for depositing globules in fat cells. During weight reduction, the body increases production of this enzyme in order to store fat.