Hypothalamic Control of Food Intake and Energy Homeostasis

Abstract

Obesity is a consequence of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The control of energy homeostasis is a complex process involving several peripheral organs and circulating signals under the control of central nervous system. In the brain, the hypothalamus is the main organ involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis through different mechanism involving circulating levels of hormones but also hypothalamic neuropeptides. Different process related to energy homeostasis regulation are controlled at central level including food intake, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis in order to maintain the body weight stable.