When it comes to managing conditions like diabetes and obesity, most people think about diet, exercise, and medication. But behind the scenes, certain hormones in our brain and body play a major role in controlling hunger, energy levels, and how our bodies respond to food. Three key players in this system are alpha-MSH (α-MSH), ghrelin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), and researchers are starting to look at how these hormones could be used as markers to personalize treatment for metabolic diseases.
α-MSH is known for helping to reduce appetite and boost energy use. It works in the brain, particularly in a region called the hypothalamus, and helps signal when we’re full. People with problems in this system often struggle with weight gain and insulin resistance. On the flip side, ghrelin—often called the “hunger hormone”—does the opposite. It rises before meals to stimulate appetite and drops after eating. In people with obesity, this system can get thrown off, leading to overeating. Then there’s NPY, one of the most powerful appetite stimulators. It not only makes us want to eat more, but it also tells the body to conserve energy, which can be a challenge when trying to lose weight.
By measuring levels of these hormones, doctors may be able to get a better picture of how a person’s body is regulating appetite and metabolism. This could lead to more tailored treatment plans. New therapies are even being developed to target these hormones directly. The goal? To help people with diabetes or obesity manage their conditions more effectively by working with their body’s natural systems—not against them.
Morton, G. J., Meek, T. H., & Schwartz, M. W. (2014). Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(6), 367–378.
Müller, T. D., et al. (2015). Molecular Metabolism, 4(6), 437–460.
Zhang, L., Bijker, M. S., & Herzog, H. (2011). Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 131(1), 91–113.