University of Oklahoma researchers discovered how the natural hormone FGF21 reverses obesity in mice by targeting specific brain circuits in the hindbrain. Unlike GLP-1 drugs that suppress appetite, FGF21 works by ramping up the body's energy burning through the nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema regions. These areas communicate with the parabrachial nucleus to drive metabolic changes. The findings could lead to new targeted treatments for obesity and fatty liver disease with fewer side effects than current options.
