There is dissatisfaction with the current concept of obesity, primarily because the management tends to be ineffectual. Excessive fat is deposited because more calories are ingested than are required. Caloric homeostasis is thought to be disrupted primarily as a psychosomatic disorder, wherein food intake is geared to emotional needs rather than metabolic requirements. However, psychotherapy, diet, anorexigenic pills, et cetera, achieve poor long-term results.
The problem needs to be re-examined. In recent years, considerable information has accumulated concerning: (a) the factors controlling feeding behavior in animals, and (b) the metabolic activity of adipose tissue. Genetically obese mice with "regulatory" or