In light of the higher incidence of obesity in Black populations (48%) compared to Whites (33%), Dr. Shapses presented data showing in obese individuals increased levels of PTH, estrogen, insulin, MCP-1, and other cytokines, and decreases in adiponectin, osteocalcin, 25(OH)D, ghrelin, and growth hormone. Here, PTH is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.