We here review the latest advances in our understanding of the role of melanocortins in food intake, reward pathways, blood pressure, glucose control, and energy expenditure. Recent, novel experimental approaches have significantly advanced our understanding of these pathways. Circumnavigating this roadblock will require a clearer picture of the precise neural circuits that mediate the functions of melanocortins.
However, drugs targeting melanocortin receptors are plagued by problematic side effects, including undesirable increases in sympathetic nervous system activity, heart rate, and blood pressure. This system has therefore generated great interest as a potential target for treatment of obesity.
Deficits in the melanocortin system may promote or exacerbate the comorbidities of obesity. The melanocortin system is a critical neural system underlying the control of body weight and other functions. Obesity is increasing in prevalence across all sectors of society, and with it a constellation of associated ailments including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and eating disorders.
