On Body Fat and Body Water in Rats

Abstract

Under our experimental conditions, water represented 72% of the fat-free body mass. This constant was found to be completely independent of the magnitude of the fat depots. Consideration of the composition of various samples of adipose tissue suggests that the water to fat-free dry matter ratio is the same as in the body as a whole or that any "excess" water contributed by adipose tissue is so small in absolute amounts as to leave the global ratio essentially undisturbed. Rats exposed to cold had to draw on their fat stores during the first month of exposure but later replenished their energy reserves. The water to fat-free dry matter ratio was not affected.

Changes in Body Composition and Efficiency of Food Utilization for Growth in Young Adult Female Rats Before, During and After a Period of Food Restriction

“…The percentage of fat plus water in the bodies of rats growing normally was relatively constant (Table 2). This confirms the observations of Babineau and Page (1955) and Rerat et al (1964). When rats had recovered after a loss of body weight the same constant applied as during normal growth (Table 2) because of the reciprocal relationship between the percentage body water and the percentage body fat.…”

“…Garrett et al (1959) studying sheep, and Kay and Jones (1962) studying swine. The relationship is the result of adipose tissue having a very low water content compared to other soft tissues (Babineau and Page 1955). Pace and Rathbun (1945) analysed the eviscerated hairless bodies of 50 guinea pigs within the body weight range of 304-1000 g and obtained a value of72•42±2•11 (mean ±s.d.)…”

Regulatory defense of the exercise-induced weight elevation in hamsters

“…It is assumed that this relationship does not change during and following exercise-induced weight displacements. Manipulations which affect body fat stores do not alter the water content of lean body mass in rats (Babineau and Pag6, 1955). Body water determinations were made by drying carcasses to constant weight at 60-90 ° C.…”

Exercise-induced growth in golden hamsters: Effects of age, weight, and activity level

“…It is assumed that this relationship does not change during and following exercise-induced weight displacements. Manipulations which affect body fat stores do no alter the water content of lean body mass in rats [1]. Body water determinations were made by drying the hamster carcasses to constant weight at temperatures between 30 ° and 50°C.…”