Metabolic Dynamics of Obesity in Feline and Canine Models

Obesity in cats and dogs arises from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Beyond simple fat deposition, adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, secreting a variety of bioactive molecules that influence systemic metabolism and inflammation. In both species, chronic low-grade inflammation driven by dysregulated adipokine release contributes to insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and altered glucose homeostasis. Feline obesity frequently precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with visceral adiposity and adipokine imbalance accelerating β-cell dysfunction. In dogs, obesity is similarly linked to insulin resistance but is also implicated in the promotion of neoplastic processes through inflammatory and endocrine pathways. Breed predispositions in cats and dietary macronutrient effects in dogs further modulate individual risk, underscoring the interplay between genetics, environment and nutrition. Weight‐loss interventions, including caloric restriction and high-protein feeding, restore adipokine balance and improve insulin sensitivity, while advanced metabolic profiling techniques are refining the identification of early biomarkers. Understanding these shared and species-specific mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage obesity and its sequelae in companion animals, with potential translational insights for human metabolic disease.

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Metabolic Dynamics of Obesity in Feline and Canine Models publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in metabolic dynamics of obesity in feline and canine models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Adipokine: A cytokine or hormone secreted by adipose tissue that regulates energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory responses.

Insulin resistance: A physiological condition in which cells exhibit reduced responsiveness to insulin, impairing glucose uptake and promoting hyperglycaemia.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT): Fat stored within the abdominal cavity around internal organs, strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of interrelated risk factors—including central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia—that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Lipotoxicity: Cellular injury caused by accumulation of lipid intermediates in non-adipose tissues, contributing to organ dysfunction and metabolic derangements.

References

1. Adipokines as potential biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus in cats. Frontiers in Immunology (2022).
2. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Serum Adiponectin Measurements in the Framework of Dog Obesity. Animals (2020).
3. Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: Review and perspectives. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022).
4. Influence of macronutrient composition of commercial diets on circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations in overweight dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2019).
5. Differences in metabolic profiles between the Burmese, the Maine coon and the Birman cat—Three breeds with varying risk for diabetes mellitus. PLOS ONE (2021).