Neuroendocrine Control of Energy Balance (Central Circuits/Mechanisms)

Energy balance is maintained when energy intake equals energy expenditure over an extended period of time. Unfortunately, the incidence of obesity is rising at an alarming rate. Obese subjects are at higher risk for developing life-threatening diseases, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This article summarizes old and new findings on how the brain perceives the status of the body's energy contents and how it conveys this information into coordinated responses aimed at maintaining normal body weight.