[Obesity: relationships with the endocrine system]

In this study we have examined the relationship between obesity and endocrine glands. We have underlined that obesity can be a symptom of some endocrine diseases and that, on the other side, only a few number of cases with excessive weight have a true endocrine pathogenesis. The endocrine implications of essential obesity, only detectable with appropriate dynamic tests, are sometimes expression of an altered peripheral metabolism. The more relevant hormonal data that we will examine in details are: increase of insulin plasma levels, altered hypothalamic neuroregulation with consequence on the gonadotropin secretion and values of prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol.