Energy balance is maintained via a homeostatic system involving both the brain and the
periphery. A key component of this system is the hypothalamus. Over the past two decades,
major advances have been made in identifying an increasing number of peptides within the
hypothalamus that contribute to the process of energy homeostasis. Under stable conditions,
equilibrium exists between anabolic peptides that stimulate feeding behavior, as well as
decrease energy expenditure and lipid utilization in favor of fat storage, and catabolic …