Adipose Tissue Biology in Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases: Pathophysiology of Obesity: From Adipocyte to Systemic Disease

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue functions as an active endocrine organ that regulates energy balance through adipokine secretion, lipid metabolism, and immune signaling. Adipocyte differentiation is tightly regulated, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR¿) serving as a key regulator of adipogenesis. Adipose tissue is heterogeneous, consisting mainly of white adipose tissue, which stores energy as triglycerides, and brown adipose tissue, which promotes thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Dysregulation of adipose tissue function contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalance, promoting obesity-related metabolic complications.