The gut-brain-axis as a target to treat stress-induced obesity

It is clear that the brain plays a critical role in the regulation of energy balance, and as such represents a target for therapeutic intervention. For instance, cells groups within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are important for regulating food intake and energy balance, whereas a number of regions across the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and ascending noradrenergic inputs stemming from the brain stem regulate hedonic and short term feeding responses (6). In spite of this, few viable therapeutic options have emerged from these advances particularly given the fact that many drugs targeting these systems have substantial side effects. Here, we propose that the periphery, and in particular the gut, may represent an alternate target for treatments that can reduce obesity, particularly in the face of stress.