A person suddenly gaining significant adipose tissue can expect all of the following physiological changes except one. Which is least likely to occur with a sudden and significant gain in adipose tissue?

• A. Lower heart rate and reduced blood flow
• B. Increased blood volume
• C. Elevated resting metabolic rate
• D. Changes in lipid profile

Answer: (A)

Increasing adipose tissue raises demands on circulation and metabolism. When fat mass expands quickly, the body needs to supply more blood to the larger tissue mass, so blood volume and cardiac output tend to increase and heart rate can rise to meet that demand. Adipose tissue is vascular, and as it grows it requires more perfusion, not less. Metabolically, more tissue at rest means higher energy needs, so resting metabolic rate typically rises modestly. Lipid handling shifts with increased fat stores, often leading to changes in lipid profile such as higher triglycerides and altered LDL/HDL levels.

The option describing lower heart rate and reduced blood flow doesn’t fit this pattern. The cardiovascular system usually works to increase, not decrease, perfusion to the greater adipose mass.