Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

While the global epidemic of obesity continues to worsen, so too do its adverse effects on individuals. Specifically, children and adolescents with obesity are at risk for devel-oping obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and disability at a much younger age. Although a simple explanation of obesity is a result of an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, there are multiple genetic and environ-mental factors that affect appetite, eating behavior, and energy balance in much more complex ways. There is bidirectional communication between the brain and gut to regulate appetite and energy expenditure in response to hunger and satiety. Growing evidence indicates that the gut microbiome is also a part of this communication and might affect an individual’s eating behavior. Identifying the key role players in regulating appetite, food behavior, and energy balance will help to develop more effective preventative measures and treatment strategies for child-hood obesity.

Keywords: Gut, brain, endocrinology