A Novel Approach to Obesity from Mental Function

Abstract

Obesity is well recognized as serious problem in the world. Regular exercise and modest food intake are the basic strategies for healthy body weight. Although, it is very difficult to lose weight and it is much more difficult to avoid weight regain. Recently, from basic and clinical studies, some part of this difficulty might be explained by impairment of central nervous system due to obesity. Indeed, mental function, such as cognitive impairment, depression, vulnerability to stress, wrong body image, low self-esteem and disregulation of hedonic hunger contribute to development of obesity. The link between such mental disorders and obesity is likely to be bidirectional. Brain inflammation and imbalance of neuronal plasticity caused by disregulation of metabolic signals are candidates which cause mental disorders associated with obesity.