It has also been determined that obesity, both in children and adults, induces a state of low-grade inflammation and metabolic alterations, such as increased plasma leptin, hyperinsulinemia, and elevated production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), among others (3). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.