THE NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

摘要: Obesity quickly is becoming the largest (figuratively and literally) public health problem, not just in United States, but worldwide. The Worldwatch Institute, an Internet watchdog group, 22 now estimates that there are more obese than malnourished individuals globally. This epidemic restricted to one ethnic, age, or socioeconomic although cultural, environmental, genetic influences clearly have a role, as evidenced by other articles this issue. Most of obesity adulthood has its origins childhood, 108 making pediatric concern prevention goal. Some think merely clinical manifestation voluntary behavior, result gluttony sloth. Indeed, US Health Care Financing Administration currently classifies behavior does endorse insurance coverage therapies. Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines "a stereotyped motor response [physiologic] stimulus." What physiologic stimulus behind increased caloric intake, decreased energy expenditure, both? Many "behaviors," such alcoholism, homosexuality, gambling, markers, promulgating notion they diseases. Based on twin research 3,86 recent discoveries monogenic disorders causing obesity, 8 many physicians inclined view disease. But genetics whole story. worldwide prevalence doubled past 30 years; pool moves lot slower that. Thus, gene biochemical cannot explain all obesity. causes myriad, potential therapies, 19 rational approach dependent development useful nosology with consistent accurate diagnostic criteria. article develops childhood actually phenotype diseases (most which yet been identified), focus those residing within complex neuroendocrine negative feedback loop regulating balance.