The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) classically mediates aldosterone effects on salt homeostasis and blood pressure regulation in epithelial target tissues. In recent years, functional MRs have been identified in non classical targets of aldosterone actions, in particular in adipose tissue, where they mediate the effects of aldosterone and glucocorticoids in the control of adipogenesis, adipose expansion and its pro-inflammatory capacity. In this context, inappropriate MR activation has been demonstrated to be a causal factor in several pathologic conditions such as vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest developments in this rapidly developing field, and will focus on the role of MR and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as potential leading characters in the early steps of adipocyte dysfunction and obesity. Indeed modulation of MR activity in adipose tissue has promise as a novel therapeutic approach to treat obesity and its related metabolic complications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'CSR 2013'.