Beige Fat, Energy, and the Natriuretic Peptide System

The purpose of this study is to learn how types of fat profiles differ between lean and obese individuals, and how they differ between racial groups. We are also interested in learning about the relationship of fat profiles with natriuretic peptide hormones, which are hormones produced by the heart. We will measure this by collecting tissue, blood and urine samples, energy expenditure measurements using the metabolic cart, and a DXA to assess the amount of bone, fat and muscle in the body from a single study visit. Blood, urine, and tissue samples will be coded for subject confidentiality. These samples will be measured for a wide array of cardiometabolic parameters and inflammatory markers. Possible techniques include RNAseq and metabolomics techniques. Additional samples will be frozen and stored for possible future investigation.