Obesity: is the brain responsible?

The field of obesity research has experienced major breakthroughs over the last 2 years. The cloning of ob-gene, leptin and its receptor (OB-R), the identification of a new neuropeptide Y receptor, Y5 ("feeding receptor"), and the discovery of neuropeptides such as melanin concentrating hormone, urocortin, and corticotropin releasing factor binding protein, each with specific effects on regulation of food intake, have advanced the knowledge of appetite physiology. New therapies for obesity may be the end result of research in this field.