Adiponectin levels are decreased under pathological conditions associated with energy metabolism disorders, such as obesity (Arita et al. 1999, Hotta et al. 2000, Lindsay et al. 2002, Kumada et al. 2003, Pischon et al. 2004, Ryo et al. 2004, Ohashi et al. 2010, Ai et al. 2011, Juonala et al. 2011). The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.