THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS IN OBESITY

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (RPA) axis normally maintains the c oncentration of cortisol within a narrow range with a diurnal variatio n characterized by higher cortisol concentrations in the morning and r educed levels in the evening, Excessive or deficient secretion of cort isol is associated with pathologic changes, Obesity has been linked wi th age, sex and racial alterations in the functioning of the HPA axis which are reviewed. The possible relationship of altered HPA axis acti vity with the long-term complications of obesity are considered.