Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor induced suppression of food intake, and body weight is mediated by central IL-1 and IL-6

There is a growing interest in the gut- and hindbrain-produced hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and GLP-1-targeting drugs are in clinical trials for treatment of obesity, and already in the clinic for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the implications of information arising from our study are clinically relevant and considerable. GLP-1 receptor stimulation decreases feeding and body weight likely via the CNS, effects of unquestioned scientific and clinical importance, considering the alarming rates of obesity. Despite this, there is scarce information about the mediators and mechanisms behind the effects of GLP-1. In this study, we found surprising evidence that two cytokines, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1, mediate antiobesity effects of GLP-1 receptor stimulation at the level of the CNS.