Nervous system and obesity

Abstract

In spite of the great daily variations in the ingestion of nutrients, the energy reserves of the body remain constant over time, which suggests the existence of numerous mechanisms regulating adiposity, energy expenditure and appetite. Gastric distention, the intestinal absorption of nutrients, lipid and glycogen reserves, the rate of utilisation of energy substrates on a central and peripheral scale, the palatability of the food and other psychological factors, influence the short term regulation of oxidation and the storage of macronutrients, as well as appetite. Besides, hormones such as insulin and leptin act over the longer term on the brain, reducing ingestion and increasing energy expenditure. Important neuronal circuits regulate this organ, above all at the hypothalamic level, which initiate effector signals that control energy homeostasis. This paper studies the role of the central nervous system in the regulation of appetite and energy balance.