The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a subfamily of nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including lipid and glucose homeostasis, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. This review focuses on PPARγ, one of the most intensively studied PPAR isoforms. PPARγ is involved in adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. It exists in two isoforms, PPARγ1 and PPARγ2, with the latter being fat-selective and highly expressed in adipose tissue. PPARγ functions as a transcription factor by binding to specific DNA sequences (PPREs) and forming heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). The receptor interacts with coactivators and corepressors to regulate gene expression. PPARγ ligands, such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), have been developed for clinical use in treating type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. PPARγ also plays a role in atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage differentiation and scavenger receptor expression, but its effects on this process are complex. In cancer, PPARγ can inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation, suggesting a tumor suppressor function. The review highlights the multifaceted roles of PPARγ and the ongoing research efforts to understand and exploit its biological functions.The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a subfamily of nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including lipid and glucose homeostasis, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. This review focuses on PPARγ, one of the most intensively studied PPAR isoforms. PPARγ is involved in adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. It exists in two isoforms, PPARγ1 and PPARγ2, with the latter being fat-selective and highly expressed in adipose tissue. PPARγ functions as a transcription factor by binding to specific DNA sequences (PPREs) and forming heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). The receptor interacts with coactivators and corepressors to regulate gene expression. PPARγ ligands, such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), have been developed for clinical use in treating type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. PPARγ also plays a role in atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage differentiation and scavenger receptor expression, but its effects on this process are complex. In cancer, PPARγ can inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation, suggesting a tumor suppressor function. The review highlights the multifaceted roles of PPARγ and the ongoing research efforts to understand and exploit its biological functions.