Myokines in Appetite Control and Energy Balance
Andrew Grannell, Alexander Kokkinos, Carel W. le Roux
Abstract
Efficacy of obesity treatments varies between individuals, highlighting the presence of responders and non-responders. Whilst exercise alone or exercise combined with diet leads to underwhelming weight loss for most, there exist super responders losing significant weight. Furthermore, in response to weight loss, the majority but not all patients tend to regain weight. Within the biopsychosocial model, biology as a determinant of response has been underappreciated. The understanding of the role that organs beyond adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract play in appetite control and body weight regulation has developed in recent years. The aim of this review is to highlight potential myokines that may be important in appetite physiology and overall energy balance. A number of attractive targets are described that warrant further investigation. A deeper understanding of how these myokines may drive feeding behaviours has the potential to improve measures to prevent and treat obesity through a precision medicine approach.