The Carbothalamus: Villain and Victim in Metabolic Care

Abstract

The hypothalamus, through its expression and interaction
with various neurotransmitters, pituitary hormones and
orexigenic and anorexigenic signals, regulates appetite.
Leptin and insulin, released in response to food intake, act
as anorexigenic stimuli whereas ghrelin, released in fasting,
is orexigenic. Imbalance in these signals can lead to
disorders in appetite regulation with cardiovascular
implications. Glucose, through multiple mechanisms,
shows an addictive potential and interacts and affects the
hypothalamic regulation of appetite and energy
metabolism. The concept of Carbothalamus integrates the
hypothalamic function in response to carbohydrate craving
and proves opportune to identify the individual
maladaptation and an approach to manage the same. This
simple concept helps understand, as well as address,
obesity in an easy and effective manner.
Keywords: Carbohydrates, hypothalamus, incretins,
nutrition, obesity, overweight, weight