Final answer:
Mutations in the leptin-melanocortin pathway can lead to obesity due to leptin resistance, which results in overeating and weight gain because the individual does not feel full. Central obesity is characterized by storage of excess body fat in the abdomen, posing a higher metabolic disease risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations in the leptin-melanocortin pathway can lead to obesity. This pathway involves the hormone leptin, which is secreted by adipose (fat) tissue. Leptin normally helps to regulate appetite and body weight by signaling satiety, or fullness, to the brain. When fat reserves in the body are high, more leptin is released, which should lead to a reduction in appetite. However, mutations in this pathway can result in a condition known as leptin resistance, where the body's ability to respond to leptin is diminished. Consequently, individuals with leptin resistance may not feel satiated despite having adequate or excessive fat reserves, leading to overeating and weight gain. This condition is associated with an increased risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Additionally, central obesity refers to a pattern of body fat distribution where excess fat is stored predominantly in the abdominal region. This form of obesity is particularly concerning because it is associated with a greater risk of metabolic diseases.