Pathophysiology of obesity

Abstract

Despite day-to-day variations in caloric intake and expenditure, the regulation of body weight is precisely controlled over long periods of time. To achieve this objective, the body possesses a wide and complex network of neuroendocrine signals originating in the gastrointestinal system, the central nervous system, and adipose tissue, among other sources to regulate both short- and long-term balances between energy intake and energy expenditure. A better understanding of the central and peripheral factors involved, particularly the role of gut hormones, will pave the way for development of improved treatment modalities for obesity.