Obesity- and diet-induced plasticity in systems that control eating and energy balance

Abstract

In April 2023, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), in partnership with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Aging, and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, hosted a 2-day online workshop to discuss neural plasticity in energy homeostasis and obesity. The goal was to provide a broad view of current knowledge while identifying research questions and challenges regarding neural systems that control food intake and energy balance. This review includes highlights from the meeting and is intended both to introduce unfamiliar audiences with concepts central to energy homeostasis, feeding, and obesity and to highlight up-and-coming research in these areas that may be of special interest to those with a background in these fields. The overarching theme of this review addresses plasticity within the central and peripheral nervous systems that regulates and influences eating, emphasizing distinctions between healthy and disease states. This is by no means a comprehensive review because this is a broad and rapidly developing area. However, we have pointed out relevant reviews and primary articles throughout, as well as gaps in current understanding and opportunities for developments in the field.

Figure 1

Site-specific plasticity involves central circuits and peripheral chemosensory systems across multiple organs. Plasticity is influenced by energy balance and factors that affect energy balance, including diet-induced obesity (DIO), high-fat diet, bariatric surgery, the gut microbiome, and the pathophysiology of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).