Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which various environmental and genetic factors interact. In this review article, 4 obesity related genetic variations are reviewed. PPAR gamma is a nuclear receptor mainly distributed in adipose tissue and thought to play some role in adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. UCP is a ion transporter in the inner membrane of mitochondria and is thought to play some role in fatty acid metabolism and insulin secretion. beta 3 adrenergic receptor is also distributed mainly in adipose tissue and functions in thermogenesis and lipolysis. Calpain 10 is a calcium-activated protease and is thought to play some role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. The variations in these receptor or enzymes are related to the development of obesity and some of the basic research results are summarized.

Keywords: Obesity, Genetic variation, PPAR gamma, UCP, Beta 3 adrenergic receptor, Calpain 10