Abstract

Overweight and obesity are highly associated with multiple co-morbidities, elevated blood pressure values, dyslipidaemia, reduced insulin sensitivity and alterations of large and minor vessels. The essential role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in controlling blood pressure has well been established. Genes encoding components of the RAS have been proposed as candidate genes that determine genetic predisposition to hypertension and the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. The role of these genes in obesity is not well understood. Several studies have showed their association with obesity in animal models.