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Neuroscience, neuroendocrinology and psychology of obesity

The central role of the nervous system in the generation and maintenance of obesity is becoming increasingly clear, with obesity-related alleles frequently acting through neural substrates. The UK is particularly strong in the neurosciences, with wide coverage from biophysics and basic neurobiology through functional imaging to integrative systems neuroscience and experimental psychology. Experimental methods and technologies are well developed and overall the field is well placed to be applied to the study of obesity. Despite this, except for a small number of excellent groups, the neuroscience of obesity is an under-studied area. Engaging the neuroscience community will be key to progress in this area – particularly encouraging expert neuroscientists from other fields to contribute to the study of obesity.

  • The neurobiological (including neuroendocrine) control of appetite, particularly central nervous system satiety mechanisms and anorectic pathways (in both lean and obese individuals), explanatory genetic and pharmacological studies and the interaction between satiety and reward pathways (including links with addiction).
  • The application of expertise in neurophysiology (eg genetic tagging and manipulation, synaptic plasticity, neural networks) and functional imaging to the hypothalamus, an experimentally tractable but under-studied region central to appetite and energy regulation.
  • The physiology of peripheral signals (eg leptin, adiponectin), particularly those emanating from the gut, and communication to and from the central nervous system as a tractable pharmacological target (see also bariatric surgery). This area could link well to clinical studies.
  • Understanding behavioural change – if research on diet and lifestyle is to be translated into public health benefits, an understanding of the psychological mechanisms underpinning behavioural change, leading to effective intervention strategies, will be crucial. More broadly, understanding the determinants of food choice and eating behaviours will be central to preventive strategies.
  • Understanding the link between the psychology of eating, mental health and obesity. While many mental illnesses may present with obesity as a side effect (due to medication or behavioural consequences), the fundamental relationship between obesity and mental health is not well defined.  Research into both the effect of mental health on the risk of obesity and the effect of obesity and associated metabolic disturbances (and disease) on mental health is needed.

Priorities for MRC obesity research Mechanisms of obesity and associated disease Neuroscience of obesity Prevention and intervention: obesity and links to disease Physical activity Ethnicity and obesity Bariatric surgery as a research tool Global health Method development (including dietary behaviour)