Nonequilibrium thermodynamic analysis of human bioenergetics in obesity: implications of the second law
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article introduces the second law of thermodynamics as an integral component of the study of human energy metabolism. The concepts of efficiency and energy dissipation are unified with the current understanding of energy balance in human subjects. It is important to note that the energy utilized in biological processes constitutes only a fraction of the total energy metabolism. Measurement of this fraction relative to total energy expenditure elucidates the body's mechanisms for adapting to fuel scarcity and abundance, as exemplified by weight gain and weight loss.
Author: Nawfal Istfan
Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4411340413