as a model for obesity research.

, a free-living nematode, is an animal model that has been extensively employed in a variety of research fields, including in the study of obesity. Its favorable features include its compact size, short life cycle, large brood size, easy handling, low cost, availability of complete genetic information, 65% conserved human diseases-associated genes, relatively easy genetic manipulation, and research using does not require approvals by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. These advantages make a great model for life science research including obesity research. In this review, we provide graphic overviews of basic anatomy, growth conditions, routes of compound delivery, and fat metabolism, both synthesis and degradation pathways, including major signaling pathways involved. Our aim is to provide an overview for researchers interested in applying as an model for the screening and identification of anti-obesity bioactive compounds prior to testing in vertebrate animal models.