Obesity as a neurobiologic disorder: a heavyweight contender

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic condition characterized by an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in the adipose tissue, capable of decreasing life expectancy. Chronically, the exacerbated inflammatory response interferes with the proper functioning of organs and tissues external to adipose tissue, becoming the cornerstone of various major metabolic imbalances in places such as the central nervous system. In this matter, obesity’s meta-inflammation indirectly affects brain regions related to psychiatric illnesses and cognitive function. Also, it has been established that several neurobiological mechanisms related to appetite regulation and impulse control disorders could explain the onset of obesity. Thus, because of the high prevalence of mental illnesses linked to obese patients and the fact that a bidirectional relation between these two entities has been observed, many efforts have been made to establish an effective and secure pharmacological approach for obesity. In this context, several psychotropics and appetite-suppressant drugs, along with lifestyle changes, have been highlighted as promising therapeutic tools against obesity.