[Thermal skin reaction to food intake and its changes in certain forms of obesity]

The authors review data on recently discovered temperature response of deep skin layers to the meal. The reaction is of a reflex nature and is one of the mechanisms regulating heat exchange in the body. In healthy people this reaction is weak. In alimentary obesity, it becomes much stronger, probably due to impaired heat exchange because of accumulated fat. In obesity related to diencephalic syndrome skin reaction is similar to control. In this obesity, pituitory seems to lose ability to regulate circulation in the blood. The above reaction can be used as a test differentiating the two forms of obesity.