Genetic Factors in Human Obesity

Abstract

Demonstration of the hereditary nature of familial obesity in man is difficult. Cultural background acts with genetics to determine the incidence of overweight. Studies have indicated that overweight per se is probably an unsatisfactory phenotype in the study of the genetics of obesity. The approaches used thus far in determining hereditary obesity will have to be pursued until specific inborn errors of the regulation of food intake or of fat metabolism are recognized and identified in man.