[The central nervous system and appetite: possible sites of activity for food intake therapy]

Recent progress in the field of neurochemical and neuropharmacological research into food intake control by the central nervous system is discussed. Particular emphasis is laid on the fundamental role played by the hypothalamus as the integration centre for the various afferent impulses and the processor of behavioural patterns aimed at the quest for, and ingestion of food. Physiopathological knowledge of central appetite regulation mechanisms is essential for the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of many clinical forms of human obesity and is the best basis for decisions on the pharmacological and behavioural approach to the treatment of this disease.