Genetics of severe early-onset obesity: diagnosis of monogenic etiologies as a new paradigm and challenge in the era of new anti-obesity therapies

Rare genetic forms of obesity are mainly caused by impaired energy
homeostasis with dysregulation in eating behavior and energy
expenditure involving hypothalamic pathways. Recent advances showed
that more than 60 genes coding for proteins located in the hypothalamic
leptin/melanocortin pathway contribute to the development of these
rare forms of obesity, syndromic and monogenic.
A summary of these new insights in monogenic obesity is presented
here to help physicians in the understanding on the new issues of
the diagnosis of genetic obesity. The availability of new anti-obesity
therapies opens the field for current and future perspectives of
personalized medicine approach.