Hypothalamic regulation of obesity: Revealing the therapeutic potential of a novel anti-obesity peptide.

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, complex condition defined by excessive fat buildup due to an imbalance between caloric consumption and energy expenditure. The significant global rise in prevalence of obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Conventional management approaches, including diet, exercise, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery, may demonstrate restricted long-term effectiveness owing to inadequate adherence and physiological adjustments. Recent advancements in neuroscience underscore the hypothalamus as a pivotal regulator of energy balance via essential nuclei, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and ventromedial nucleus (VMN). This review examines the therapeutic potential of a new anti-obesity peptide that targets hypothalamic signalling pathways. Preclinical and clinical evidence endorses the utilization of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and novel multi-receptor drugs such as AMG 133, which integrate GLP-1R activation with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonism. These therapies exhibit improved weight reduction and metabolic enhancement. Moreover, the integration of hypothalamic peptide therapy with lifestyle modifications or post-bariatric care provides synergistic advantages. Notwithstanding favorable results, peptide therapy encounters obstacles such as administration methods, sustained effectiveness, and expense. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for the effective implementation of peptide-based treatments in sustained clinical obesity control.