Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Rose Peters on 08/03/2010 09:30:02

Title: How many metres of new blood vessels does a kg of extra weight require?
Post by: Rose Peters on 08/03/2010 09:30:02

Rose Peters  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I heard along the way that when a person gains weight, the body then has to manufacture more blood vessels.  

If this is true, how many metres of vessels per kg of mass gained?

What do you think?

Title: How many metres of new blood vessels does a kg of extra weight require?
Post by: hapbuk on 22/06/2011 19:02:13

I believe it is one mile of capillaries for every pound of weight gained (that may be a myth, but it is one I have heard).

Title: How many metres of new blood vessels does a kg of extra weight require?
Post by: CliffordK on 22/06/2011 19:46:29

Different body tissues have different metabolic needs, and thus different blood vessels. 

Fat has a very low metabolic rate, and thus it would likely have the least number of blood vessels.

Muscle has a much higher metabolic rate, and thus more blood vessels.