The glucocorticoid contribution to obesity

Abstract

Obesity is fast becoming the scourge of our time. It is one of the biggest causes of death and disease in the industrialized world, and affects as many as 32% of adults and 17% of children in the USA, considered one of the world's fattest nations. It can also cost countries billions of dollars per annum in direct and indirect care, latest estimates putting the USA bill for obesity-related costs at $147 billion in 2008. It is becoming clear that the pathophysiology of obesity is vastly more complicated than the simple equation of energy in minus energy out. A combination of genetics, sex, perinatal environment and life-style factors can influence diet and energy metabolism. In this regard, psychological stress can have significant long-term impact upon the propensity to gain and maintain weight. In this review, we will discuss the ability of psychological stress and ultimately glucocorticoids (GCs) to alter appetite regulation and metabolism. We will specifically focus on (i) GC regulation of appetite and adiposity, (ii) the apparent sexual dimorphism in stress effects on obesity and (iii) the ability of early life stress to programme obesity in the long term.

Nutritional manipulations in the perinatal period program adipose tissue in offspring

“…Moreover, it may induce the expression of proinflammatory genes, favoring macrophage infiltration and providing the environmental conditions for inflammation (57). GC exposure also stimulates LPL activity, whereas it may have an antilipolytic effect, which favors lipid mobilization and TG accumulation (22,94,105). Finally, dexamethasone exposure affects the circadian expression of clock genes in WAT explant cultures (46).…”

Novel Aspects of Glucocorticoids Actions on Energy Homeostasis and Hydromineral Balance

“…At the same time, increased food intake and b o d y w e i g h t g a i n h a v e b e e n o b s e r v e d i n humans following glucocorticoid treatment (Tataranni et al, 1996). Stress conditions, characterized by elevated circulating glucocorticoids levels, are also associated with increased food intake, body weight gain and obesity (Dallman et al, 2003;La Fleur, 2006;Spencer & Tilbrook, 2011).…”

Impact of psychosocial stress on gonadotrophins and sexual behaviour in females: role for cortisol?

“…These conditions include Cushing's syndrome (Bertagna et al 2009, Spencer & Tilbrook 2011), Cushing's disease (Bertagna et al 2009, Spencer & Tilbrook 2011, obesity (Berga et al 1997), metabolic syndrome (Berga et al 1997), functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (Sapolsky et al 2000), hyperthyroidism (Breen & Karsch 2004), diabetes mellitus type II (Berga et al 1997), hypertension (Berga et al 1997) and major depression (Berga et al 1997).…”