Obesity was most prevalent inblack women and white men,32 confirming previous national reports.4 Related to obesity, the adipokine, leptin, was markedly elevated in obese individuals.26 Leptin was found to be independently associated with autonomic neuralactivity, suggesting an early influence of elevated leptin on autonomic functionand future BP elevation. The gene discussed is LEP; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.