Endocannabinoids in the aetiopathology of obesity – Central mechanisms

The principal contributing factor to obesity is overconsumption of palatable, energy-dense foods. Such foods engender appetite, even in the face of sufficiency, and their hedonic properties promote overeating. Research points to endocannabinoids being key factors in motivational circuits that assign incentive and reward value to food, with cannabinoid CB₁ receptor agonists enhancing hunger, food anticipation and food palatability. Endocannabinoid involvement in food ‘wanting’ and ‘liking’, and possible endocannabinoid-based obesity therapies are discussed.