Obesity has been reported as a worldwide epidemic independent of economical and social conditions. The possible causes of increased mortality and morbidity associated with obesity have been focused by several studies that attempted to understand the syndrome X, one of the consequences of obesity. This syndrome is characterized by various metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is widely known that genetic factors influence the prevalence of obesity. However, the increasing rate of obesity over the past 20 years cannot be explained by changes in the gene pool. In this way, the major factors involved in obesity are related to environmental aspects as dietary intake and reduced energy expenditure. In the attempt to develop obesity in animals as a means of carrying out studies related to the condition, many experimental models have been developed. Although these animal models cannot be expected to exactly mimic human obesity, they may still be of great value in studying the mechanisms inducing augmented deposition of fat and its consequences.
Obesity; High fat diet; Insulin resistance; Animal models
