The central nervous system is responsible for interpreting the signals sent by these organs, which are meant to reflect energy stores, the recent nutritional status of a person and other factors related to energy metabolism. Further the authors point out that parts of the central nervous system including sections of the hypothalamus then coordinate energy intake and expenditure. The authors suggest that manipulation of any of these components may be an avenue for obesity research. Like the previous researchers discussed, the authors suggest that the homeostasis of the body can be manipulated both intentionally and un-intentionally by individual's lifestyle and personal behaviors. In fact all organs of the body work synergistically to promote homeostasis. As Westerterp, Plasqui & Goris (2005) note water is vital to energy homeostasis and is directly impacted by factors including physical activity and water loss due to temperature. The authors conducted a study of forty-two women and ten men measuring their water intake, physical activity level and the season. They found that women were more likely to exhibit higher water turnover regardless of physical activity and season, but also showed that it was essential for humans to normalize water loss in order to compensate for energy expenditure and maintain a state of homeostasis. Thus from their research one can conclude that men and women may require different levels of basic nutrients in order to maintain a state of homeostasis. Also important to this study is the notation that water like other nutrients is a vital component for maintaining the physiology of the human body.

Summary

From the research provided above one may conclude that homeostasis is a state that is maintained through a complex process involving all of the body's major organs and systems. No one aspect of physiological functioning is more important than another when it comes to the homeostatic...

Food is necessary to maintain energy levels and support physiological processes. Anything one does to disrupt this process, such as overeat or under eat, may disrupt the natural state of equilibrium that the body is constantly aspiring to. The good news is that the body is a remarkable machine, in a constant state of adjustment and repair. Thus even when one is in a state that is considered disrupted, the body will constantly be working to re-establish what may be considered a 'normal' state.
Unfortunately there is no one theory that currently exists that can explain the full process of homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is a complex process that involves what people eat, drink, how much activity they engage in and how much sleep they get each and every day. The body is constantly working to adjust itself accordingly and function in a manner that is most optimal given these factors.

Though the research presented above does indicate that homeostasis is related to weight gain and weight loss, the exact mechanisms through which this occurs are not yet fully understood.

One can simply conclude that the process of energy homeostasis is one that is complex and multi-faceted.

References

Badman, MK & Flier, JS. (Mar-2005). "The gut and energy balance: visceral allies in the obesity wars." Science, 307(5717):1909-14

Cone, R.D. (2001). "Combating Fat." American Scientist, 89(6):565.

Schwartz, MW, Woods, SC, Seeley, RJ, Barsh, GS, Baskin, DG, Leibel, RL. (2003

Feb). "Is the energy homeostasis system inherently biased toward weight gain?" Diabetes. 52(2):232-8

Westerterp, KR; Plasqui, G; & Goris, AH. (2005-Feb). "Water loss as a function of energy intake, physical activity and season." British Journal of Nutrition, 93(2):199-203.