Genetics of obesity.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to review and update advances in genetics of obesity.


METHODS
Analysis and interpretation of recent investigations about regulating the energy balance as well as about gene-nutrient interactions and current nutri-genomic research methods. BACKGROUND AND MAIN STATEMENTS: Obesity results from a long-term positive energy balance. However, its rising prevalence in developed and developing societies must reflect lifestyle changes, since genetic susceptibility remains stable over many generations. Like most complex diseases, obesity derives from a failure of adequate homoeostasis within the physiological system controlling body weight. The identification of genes that are involved in syndromic, monogenic and polygenic obesity has seriously improved our knowledge of body weight regulation. This disorder may arise from a deregulation at the genetic level (e.g. gene transcription or altered protein function) or environmental exposure (e.g. diet, physical activity, etc.).


CONCLUSIONS
In practice, obesity involves the interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Alfredo Martínez
J
J
Department of Physiology and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. jalfmtz@unav.es
Martínez-Hernández
Alfredo
A
Enríquez
Luís
L
Moreno-Aliaga
María Jesús
MJ
Moreno-Moreno
María Jesús
MJ
Martí
Amelia
A
D050156:Adipogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004032:Diet; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D054647:Nutrigenomics; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D015995:Prevalence