Pathophysiology of obesity

Obesity is one of the most complex and poorly understood clinical syndromes. It leads to increased morbidity and mortality and is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to obesity has been substantially improved by an increasing number of clinical and epidemiological studies on this topic. The understanding of the molecular basis determining the development and the maintenance of obesity has been dramatically accelerated by the discovery of new peptides such as leptin, resistin and adiponectin. A better understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of obesity is necessary in order to develop more effective prevention and treatment measures.