Stable isotope tracer technique and its applications in the study of obesity

Stable isotope tracer technique is a safe and non-radioactive technique which uses stable isotope to trace the metabolism or movement of substance or element in vivo.Analysis of the enrichment of each isotopic tracer can be accomplished by mass spectrometry because of the difference of mass number.As a very useful tool,stable isotope tracer technique can trace the lipid metabolism accurately,elucidate the mechanism of lipid metabolic disorder of obesity patient and evaluate the influence of life style and weight-reducing aid.This technique has unique application and prospective future in the field of obesity research. Key words: Stable isotope tracer; Obesity