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Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
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Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose01:16

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
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Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
08:47

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy

Published on: December 7, 2017

The glucocorticoid contribution to obesity.

Sarah J Spencer1, Alan Tilbrook

  • 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Monash UniversityMelbourne, Vic., Australia. sarah.spencer@monash.edu

Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|February 8, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Psychological stress and glucocorticoids significantly impact appetite regulation and metabolism, contributing to obesity. Early life stress can also program long-term weight gain, highlighting complex obesity pathophysiology beyond energy balance.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
08:47

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy

Published on: December 7, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism
  • Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

  • Obesity is a major global health issue, affecting a significant portion of adults and children, with substantial economic costs.
  • The pathophysiology of obesity is complex, involving genetics, environment, lifestyle, and psychological factors.
  • Psychological stress is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to weight gain and obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of psychological stress and glucocorticoids in altering appetite regulation and metabolism.
  • To examine the influence of glucocorticoids on appetite and adiposity.
  • To explore the sexual dimorphism in stress-related obesity and the long-term programming effects of early life stress.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the impact of psychological stress and glucocorticoids on obesity.
  • Analysis of studies investigating appetite regulation and metabolic changes.
  • Examination of research on sexual dimorphism and early life stress in the context of obesity.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoids play a significant role in regulating appetite and adiposity.
  • Stress-induced effects on obesity exhibit sexual dimorphism.
  • Early life stress can have long-lasting programming effects on obesity development.

Conclusions:

  • Psychological stress and glucocorticoids are critical factors in obesity development, acting through complex mechanisms.
  • Understanding these pathways, including sexual differences and early life influences, is crucial for developing effective obesity interventions.