Peripheral and central mechanisms regulating food intake and macronutrientselection

Food intake is regulated by a complex interaction of central and peripheral pathways. A range of neuropeptides affects feeding either through actions at the gastrointestinal/hepatic level or in the central nervous system. Cir culating signals such as leptin and insulin modulate and interact with thes e neuropeptide systems to control energy balance. The roles of the melanoco rtin MC4 receptor pathway, agouti-related protein, melanocyte concentrating hormone, cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transport, neuropeptide Y, and ente rostatin in the control of food intake and macronutrient selection are desc ribed.