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World J Diabetes. Jul 15, 2010; 1(3): 76-88
Published online Jul 15, 2010. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v1.i3.76
Metabolic effects of obesity: A review
Parul Singla, Animesh Bardoloi, Anuj A Parkash
Parul Singla, Animesh Bardoloi, Department of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi 110001, India
Anuj A Parkash, Department of Biochemistry, Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak 124001, India
Author contributions: Singla P performed the literature survey, writing, referencing, and review of the manuscript; Bardoloi A was responsible for the literature survey, writing and referencing of the manuscript; and Parkash AA was responsible for the literature survey, editing, and final review of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Parul Singla, MD, Department of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi 110001, India. drparul1@yahoo.co.in
Telephone: +91-11-9718378079
Received: April 12, 2010
Revised: June 22, 2010
Accepted: June 29, 2010
Published online: July 15, 2010
Abstract

With the many recent advances in the biomedical world, vast changes are taking place in our growing knowledge of the physiological aspects of almost all the tissues and organs of the human body. One of the most prevalent topics of discussion is the question of obesity and its effect on the metabolic changes in the human body. The original classical role of adipose tissue as an energy storage organ has been greatly modified. We now know that it is an endocrine organ, producing adipokines like leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, etc, which modulate metabolic processes in the body. Since obesity is associated with an increase in the adipose tissue mass, these hormones may be expected to be produced in increased concentrations and may thus have a significant impact on the macronutrient metabolism. Further, these adipokines may interact with long term energy modulators like insulin. Even though the scientific community has started unravelling the mysteries of the close linkage between obesity, its hormones and their physiological effects, a lot still remains to be discovered. The present discussion makes an attempt to trace the basic modern day concepts of the role of obesity in various metabolic processes.

Keywords: Obesity; Metabolism; Adipokines; Leptin; Adiponectin; Visfatin; Apelin; Insulin