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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
Published on: August 4, 2023
The hypothalamus and obesity
Joanne A Harrold1, Jason C G Halford
1School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK. harrold@liverpool.ac.uk
Abstract:
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions across the developed world. Even though there have been numerous scientific advances in terms of the understanding of the regulation of energy homeostasis, few novel anti-obesity drugs have emerged. Furthermore, those that are available have limited efficacy in producing and maintaining a weight loss beyond 10%. This is partly attributable to the complex neuronal circuitry at play within the central nervous system and periphery, which acts to regulate food intake and energy expenditure. This article will focus on a selection of the many products (peptides, neurotransmitters and others) such as endocannabinoids, Neuropeptide Y, Orexins, Melanin-Concentrating Hormone, Melanocortins, Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript and Serotonin, expressed within the brain, that have been shown to influence energy balance. The true relevance of many of these to the regulation of human energy balance remains uncertain, but some novel anti-obesity drugs aimed at these targets are likely to emerge in the next few years.
Insights
Obesity is a global epidemic with limited effective treatments. This review explores brain signaling molecules like endocannabinoids and neuropeptides that regulate energy balance, offering potential targets for new anti-obesity drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is a widespread health crisis with few effective pharmacological interventions.
- Current anti-obesity drugs offer limited weight loss and maintenance capabilities.
- Complex central and peripheral neural circuits regulate energy homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key neurochemicals and peptides involved in regulating energy balance.
- To highlight potential therapeutic targets for novel anti-obesity medications.
- To discuss the role of brain-expressed molecules in food intake and energy expenditure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on neurobiology of energy balance.
- Focus on specific signaling molecules including endocannabinoids, Neuropeptide Y, Orexins, Melanin-Concentrating Hormone, Melanocortins, Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript, and Serotonin.
- Analysis of their influence on central and peripheral regulation of energy homeostasis.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous brain-expressed peptides and neurotransmitters influencing energy balance.
- Highlighted the complex interplay of these molecules in regulating food intake and energy expenditure.
- Acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the precise role of many targets in human physiology.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances in understanding energy homeostasis, novel anti-obesity drugs are scarce.
- Targeting specific neurochemical pathways in the brain presents a promising avenue for future obesity treatments.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact relevance of these molecules in human energy balance and drug development.
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