Physiological mechanisms in the aetiology and maintenance of obesity

Increase in the incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been attributed to genetic and hypothalamic factors, an increase in the consumption of energy dense food and intestinal microbiota, and lack or decrease in exercise. obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and certain forms of cancer. Though consumption of calorie dense diet and lack of adequate exercise are responsible for the initiation of obesity and subsequent development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is equally likely that failure of homeostatic mechanisms that regulate appetite, food consumption and energy balance regulated by hypothalamic factors and gut bacteria also play a critical role in the onset of these conditions. Hence, management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus need a comprehensive and multipronged approach. Undurti N. das