The Obese Brain

Abstract

This chapter explores the complex relationship between the brain Brain and body weight regulation, focusing on the disruptive impact of obesity. The brain Brain, specifically the hypothalamus Hypothalamus, plays a central role in regulating food intake and energy balance. We focus into the contribution of several brain Brain regions, neurotransmitters, and hormones Hormones in this complex regulation, revealing a finely tuned system governing hunger and satiety. Obesity, a global health challenge, compromises the brain Brain’s regulatory mechanisms. We highlight the molecular and structural alterations it induces, impacting hormonal and neurotransmitter signalling. We revisit some brain Brain imaging studies that offer insights into how obesity promotes different structural changes within the brain Brain, promoting impaired neuronal activity and connectivity, and brain Brain atrophy. These changes directly correlate obesity and complex disorders such as dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, we discuss the current therapeutic approaches for obesity, which encompass lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery Bariatric surgery, and anti-obesity Anti-obesity medications. The future of obesity treatment lies in personalized medicine, promising innovative solutions for this urgent health issue. This chapter underscores the multifaceted nature of obesity and the imperative need for multifaceted strategies that address its metabolic, neurological, and psychological aspects. Improving our understanding of the intricate interplay between neural structure and function upon obesity, will pave the way for more effective prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.