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Obesity: an epidemic in need of therapeutics
1Department of Obesity Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA. lex_van_der_ploeg@merck.com
Abstract:
Recent developments in the quest for control of human obesity include the discovery of hormones, neuropeptides, receptors and transcription factors involved in feeding behavior, metabolic rate and adipocyte development. As a result, obesity research is quickly developing a level of sophistication that is expected to yield new treatment approaches. Even though newly approved clinical interventions are being tested in the market place, the obesity epidemic continues to face numerous unmet clinical needs and awaits the development and implementation of safe and highly effective pharmacotherapy.
Insights
Scientists are discovering new targets like hormones and transcription factors to combat obesity. Despite new treatments, effective pharmacotherapy is still needed for the ongoing obesity epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic research
- Obesity science
Background:
- Human obesity is a complex epidemic with significant unmet clinical needs.
- Recent scientific advancements have identified key molecular players in energy homeostasis and adiposity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent discoveries in obesity research.
- To highlight the need for advanced pharmacotherapy for obesity control.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on hormones, neuropeptides, receptors, and transcription factors.
- Analysis of current trends in obesity treatment development.
Main Results:
- Identification of numerous molecular targets regulating feeding behavior, metabolic rate, and adipocyte development.
- Progress in understanding the sophisticated biological pathways underlying obesity.
Conclusions:
- Obesity research is advancing, offering potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
- There remains a critical need for safe and highly effective pharmacotherapies to address the global obesity epidemic.