The gene expression profile in peripheral blood seems to partially mimic the profile of adipocytes, with respect to HIF-1α activity and leptin expression (both associated with obesity), and to partially mimic the response in the liver, reflected by the enriched binding sites for SREBP-1 normally activated by HIF-1α in the liver. The gene discussed is SREBF1; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.