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Review

Genetic Obesity Syndromes

In: Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
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Affiliations
Review

Genetic Obesity Syndromes

I. Sadaf Farooqi.

Excerpt

Genetic factors play a major role in the regulation of body weight and in the susceptibility to obesity in the population. A subset of people with severe obesity carry rare, highly penetrant genetic variants that can result in severe childhood-onset obesity. Current estimates suggest that up to 20% of children with severe obesity may carry pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities or mutations. The diagnosis of a genetic obesity syndrome can provide information that has value for the patient and their family and may help them deal with the social stigma that comes with severe obesity in childhood. In an increasing number of cases, the finding of a genetic cause for a patient’s obesity can inform clinical care and the use of targeted therapies. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.

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