Regulation of energy homeostasis and health consequences in obesity.

The growing awareness of the obesity epidemic as a critical matter of health concern has prompted research into the mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis and the pathophysiology of obesity. Food intake, energy expenditure, and fat storage all are regulated by a complex neuroendocrine system. It is now recognized that in addition to central neurohumoral pathways, adipose tissue has an independent endocrine function that contributes to energy homeostasis. Moreover, adipose tissue exerts inflammatory effects that are linked to the most important health problems associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, each of which has the potential to confer long-term morbidity and increased mortality risks. This inflammatory effect of adipose tissue is more pronounced in abdominal obesity, which is reflected by the heightened cardiometabolic risk observed in persons with excess abdominal adiposity. The endocrine impact of adipose tissue on energy homeostasis and inflammation highlights the critical health implications of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, and the importance of effective prevention and management strategies in clinical practice.