[Obesity is not a character weakness. Leptin and twin research show: fat control is genetically regulated]

The results of recent research have confirmed the leptin control system. Leptin is produced in fatty tissue, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and signals repletion of fat stores. This in turn triggers a reduction in food intake and an increase in energy expenditure. While neuropeptide Y is known to play a central nervous mediator role, it is not certain whether leptin plays a marginal or a main role in the energy balance. Of at least equal, and possibly even greater practical/clinical importance are the results of research on the family and twins. For these reveal a tendency for weight increase and abdominal storage of fat and increased intake of calories to have a strong genetic link. The conclusions are a lowering of the expectations placed in reduction dieting, and an increase in efforts aimed at prevention.