Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2016.156 Figure 1 POMC-derived peptides control body weight and adrenal function Figure 1 | POMC-derived peptides control body weight and adrenal function. a | Melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH, red arrows) released by hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons activate melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) to induce satiety and increase energy expenditure. The resulting hunger score is 3 on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 10 (maximum). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreted from POMC-expressing pituitary corticotrophs is essential for normal development of the adrenal cortex and stimulates cortisol secretion. b | POMC-deficient individuals lack melanocortin signalling in the brain and consequently have constant hunger and development of severe obesity. ACTH-deficiency can be managed by hydrocortisone replacement therapy, but the adrenal glands remain dystrophic. c | Setmelanotide treatment replaces MSH in the brain, leading to a hunger score of 1, and stimulates MC4R to restore normal energy balance, thereby reducing excess fat mass and body weight. Low, M. J. (2016) New hormone treatment for obesity caused by POMC-deficiency Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2016.156