[Metabolic effects of the endocannabinoid system].

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling system that plays an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and lipid and glucose metabolism-all of which can influence cardiometabolic risk. Endocannabinoids are involved in the appetite and body weight regulation. Central or peripheral stimulation of ECS favours metabolic processes that lead to weight gain, lipogenesis, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose homeostasis. ECS is tonically overactive in obese individuals. ECS appears to be a promising novel mechanistic pathway that modulates important aspects of the cardiovascular and metabolic function.