Abstract
Obesity is a major problem for developing and developed countries since it provides a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, some forms of cancer and osteoarthritis. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa are much rarer, but are severe and sometimes life-threatening disorders (with a 10% mortality rate in anorexia nervosa). The last decade, the knowledge on the neural circuitry underlying regulation of food intake and energy balance, has increased enormously with the discovery of leptin and its downstream targets. This has opened new avenues towards the identification of drug targets to treat eating disorders and obesity. Here, we will briefly outline the major pathways in the brain that have been implicated in regulation of energy balance. Genes in these pathways have been tested for association with eating disorders and with obesity. Linkage studies indicate that there are still genes to be discovered that play an important role in the aetiology of eating disorders and obesity. Genetic variability between patients may underlie differences in responsiveness to drugs used in the treatment of obesity, such as sibutramine, and drugs used in the treatment of eating disorders, such as olanzapine. Therefore these drugs are discussed in the context of the neural circuitry involved in regulation of energy balance.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Psychopharmacogenetics |
Publisher | Springer |
Pages | 203-230 |
Number of pages | 28 |
ISBN (Print) | 0387307931, 9780387307930 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |