Abstract
Obesity represents a complex, multifactorial syndrome that represents a high burden for public health systems worldwide. Serotonin is an important factor in feeding behavior and weight regulation and their interplay implies multiple mechanisms that could explain the correlation with obesity, so understanding these interconnections is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases, using articles published between 1 January 2015 and 1 December 2024, based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the selection process, 22 studies were selected for detailed analysis, focusing on the role of serotonin in obesity. Serotonin significantly influences appetite control and energy homeostasis through multiples pathways, including insulin resistance, high-fat diets, gut microbiota, low-grade inflammation, interferences with tryptophan metabolism, psychiatric modifications, genetic alterations of serotonin receptors, serotonin implications in eating behavior, and neurohormonal regulation of appetite. This review highlights the multidimensional characteristics of the serotonin-obesity association, along with its significance in metabolic and psychiatric pathologies. In order to develop more efficient methods for managing obesity, future studies should concentrate on serotonergic regulation and complex management strategies involving the neurohormonal axis.