Review of the main genes involved in the development of obesity

Obesity is a public health problem which affects a high number of persons, and can be the origin of a number of organic dysfunctions. The etiology of the disease is complex and multifactorial; however, a recently incorporated issue on the matter refers to the genetic influence in the development of the disease. In this revision we describe the more relevant characteristics of the more common genes involved in the affection, as well as their genetic transmission by means of mendelian patterns. Moreover, we describe syndromes where obesity is a significant sign. In these cases, the involved mutations are shown, as well as their hereditary mechanisms, and the main clinical feature of patients. The main objective this revision is to collaborate in the understanding of the present knowledge in the field, as well as in the perspectives for continuing its scientific advancement, particularly in regard to the correlation genotype-phenotype.