Metabolism and Stress - Assignment Example

Discuss the following Energy, fat cells, insulin and the parasympathetic response 2. Mobilizing stored energy and the stress response 3. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Body metabolism includes various functions carried out by different organs in the human body. All these organs require energy to function appropriately, which is supplied in the form of glucose through blood and body plasma. Hormones are secreted by various organs which act as catalysts in the metabolic functions. In the case of stressed conditions, the body would require more energy and glucose to handle the stress; therefore, more hormones.

The main hormones involved in preparing the body for handling stress are adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones help in mobilizing glucose and attaining a balance between body functions and the brain and are produced in excess during stress, physical or mental. Adrenalin acts on fat cells thereby converting them to glucose for energy. Cortisol also increases the amount of glucose in the blood. Both these functions are at a peak during stress conditions. Therefore, prolonged stressed conditions lead to excess release of energy and glucose.

If the stress is not physical then this energy is not used, which eventually gets converted to fat and is deposited within the body. Excess fat also causes obesity and other metabolic dysfunctions, which in turn impact the mental status of the individual. These symptoms precede depression, anxiety disorder and eating disorders (Tafet, 2001).