[Obesity genes and their effect on the energy balance]

Obesity is currently more prevalent than malnutrition, affecting about 15 % of human adult population. At population level, the Westernized environment is responsible for the outstan- ding epidemics of obesity, but at individual level genetic factors explain most of the diferences in body mass index (BMI). Indeed, obesity heritability is around 70 %. Genetic studies have identified a relatively prevalent monogenic component, due to mutations in genes controlling appetite and satiety. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found more than 100 genes increasing the risk for obesity. Next-generation sequencing of obesity genes allows cost eflicient molecular diagnosis as a first step towards precision obesity medicine.