This document defines obesity and discusses its epidemiology, regulation, neurohumoral factors, and genetics. Some key points:
- Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue and a BMI ≥30. It is more common in women and prevalence is increasing globally.
- The hypothalamus regulates appetite through centers that stimulate (lateral) or inhibit (ventromedial) eating. Leptin, adipokines, gut hormones, and pancreatic hormones also influence appetite.
- Genetic factors contribute to obesity risk, as seen in family and twin studies. Rare genetic syndromes like Prader-Willi can also cause obesity.
- Leptin normally inhibits appetite but leptin