Overweight and obesity are two key factors in development of the metabolic syndrome. In recent years the major focus was directed towards elucidating how impairment of the central nervous system affects food intake and the development of obesity and insulin resistance. It has been shown in animal models and in humans that overconsumption of an energy-dense, high-fat diet leads to fundamental structural and functional changes of hypothalamic nuclei which govern eating behavior. Several recent scientific studies suggested that these nutritionally induced hypothalamic effects and changes, i.e. apoptosis of hypothalamic neurons and glial cells and subsequent local inflammatory processes, modulate eating behavior and metabolism in a defined way paving the way for development of obesity and eventually also the metabolic syndrome. This article summarizes findings from current related studies, introduces some of the underlying molecular mechanisms and shows how this knowledge might be used to develop novel treatment options for patients suffering from obesity and the metabolic syndrome.     «

Overweight and obesity are two key factors in development of the metabolic syndrome. In recent years the major focus was directed towards elucidating how impairment of the central nervous system affects food intake and the development of obesity and insulin resistance. It has been shown in animal models and in humans that overconsumption of an energy-dense, high-fat diet leads to fundamental structural and functional changes of hypothalamic nuclei which govern eating behavior. Several recent sci...     »