Hormonal
Obesity induces selective sympathetic nervous system (SNS) overactivity, particularly directed to muscle vasculature and kidneys, which contributes to cardiovascular risk (hypertension) but fails to increase energy expenditure or promote weight loss.
Understanding that obesity involves a specific type of nervous system stress (selective SNS activation) helps reframe the condition as a physiological state rather than just a willpower issue. While this state increases cardiovascular risk, it does not actively burn fat. Treatments targeting autonomic dysfunction (like weight loss itself) may reverse these alterations.
An increased SNS activity has been demonstrated in obese patients, particularly in the muscle vasculature and in the kidneys, possibily contributing to increased cardiovascular risk... sympathetic overactivity is not effective in favoring energy expenditure and thus weight loss.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review citing multiple microneurography and spillover studies.
Source
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Pathophysiology of Obesity
Daniela Guarino et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2017
DOI 10.3389/fphys.2017.00665
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