A complex hypothalamic network of hormones and neuropeptides regulates body weight. Mutations in these hormones/peptides, their receptors or regulatory elements, have been described in humans, but they are rare and could not explain the commonest forms of obesity. Nevertheless, the study of these mutations has favored a great progress in the knowledge of genetic basis and physiopathology of obesity, opening new perspectives on the therapeutic approach of this prevalent disease. Recently, mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor have been found in up to 5% of severe obese subjects, being thus far the most prevalent monogenic form of obesity in humans. In this revision, we discuss the mutations described in some elements of the body weight regulation system in humans, and their implications for the genesis of obesity.
Obesity; Genetics; Body weight; Leptin; MC4R; POMC
