The hunger genes: pathways to obesity

Cell. 2015 Mar 26;161(1):119-132. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.03.008.

Abstract

The global rise in the prevalence of obesity and associated co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer represents a major public health concern. The biological response to increased consumption of palatable foods or a reduction in energy expenditure is highly variable between individuals. A more detailed mechanistic understanding of the molecular, physiological, and behavioral pathways involved in the development of obesity in susceptible individuals is critical for identifying effective mechanism-based preventative and therapeutic interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / physiology
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Obesity / therapy