Main description:

A number of genes have been identified that are associated with an increased body mass index (BMI), the standard measurement of obesity. By analyzing these genes, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of what causes obesity and develop ways to tackle the problem. The study of genes and obesity could lead to new treatments. Genes and Obesity reviews the latest developments in the field.

Contents:

Introduction by Claude Bouchard

Genes and pathways contributing to obesity: a systems biology view
Thomas Drake

Genetics of adipose tissue biology
Peter Arner and Ingrid Dahlman

Genetics of brown adipose tissue
Les Kozak

Obesity caused by single genes
Genetics of lipodystrophies and ectopic fat deposition
Robert Hegele

Genetics of common forms of overweight and obesity
Genetics of adipose tissue distribution
Ruth Loos

Genetics and human dietary intake
Danielle Reed

Genetics and eating disorders
Johannes Hebebrand and Anke Hinney

Genetics of metabolic rates and energy expenditure
Genetics of physical activity level and sedentary time
Timothy Lightfoot and Trudy Moore-Harrison

Advances in epigenetics and relevance to obesity
Alfredo Martinez, Javier Campion, Fermin Milagro

Are there metabolic complications of obesity precipitated by genetic factors?
Alan Shuldiner

From animal models to human genetics to practical applications