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Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in obesity and Prader–Willi syndrome: current evidence and implications for future obesity therapies
Author(s) -
Haqq A. M.,
DeLorey D. S.,
Sharma A. M.,
Freemark M.,
Kreier F.,
Mackenzie M. L.,
Richer L. P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1758-8111
pISSN - 1758-8103
DOI - 10.1111/j.1758-8111.2012.00032.x
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , autonomic nervous system , childhood obesity , bioinformatics , endocrinology , heart rate , blood pressure , biology , overweight
Summary The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, body temperature and hormone levels. Evidence suggests that ANS dysfunction is associated with adult and childhood obesity and plays a role in the distribution of total body fat and the development of obesity‐related complications in humans. This review summarizes our current understanding of ANS involvement in the pathogenesis of obesity and Prader–Willi syndrome. Available evidence of ANS dysfunction in the control of energy balance is limited and, in some cases, contradictory. Further investigation in this area is warranted in order to better understand the important contributions of the ANS to regulation of body fat, development of obesity and its comorbidities. Results from these studies will guide the development of novel obesity therapeutics targeting specific ANS dysfunction.